Kuumba Recasner (USA) is a native Californian and draws inspiration from the vibrant landscapes and cultural heritage of Los Angeles. The intricate stained-glass windows of churches and the recycled glass mosaics of the Watts Towers left a lasting impression on her artistic vision. Growing up in an Afro-Creole household of transplanted farmers in South LA, she fondly recalls tending vegetable gardens with her grandparents, where the rich colors and textures of nature fueled her creativity.
An intuitive artisan, Recasner pioneered techniques to upcycle discarded gemstones by extracting pigments and blending them with enamel glazes. This process fills negative spaces in her hand-sculpted designs, creating a luminous effect reminiscent of plique-à-jour. Her work has been showcased at various galleries and at Milano Jewelry Week. Her designs have graced red carpets and been featured in leading publications.
