The Bold Brilliance of Curtis Jere: Sculptural Style that Defined an Era
If you've ever seen a dazzling brass sunburst, a windswept tree in hammered metal, or an abstract wall sculpture with brutalist flair—there’s a good chance it was signed “C. Jere.” But Curtis Jere isn’t a single artist. It’s the signature brand of Curtis Freiler and Jerry Fels, the duo behind the design company Artisan House, founded in 1963.
Together, Freiler and Fels set out to bridge the gap between fine art and home décor, producing bold, sculptural pieces that could live above the fireplace or in a corporate lobby. Their work brought a sense of avant-garde sophistication to mid-century interiors—and continues to influence modern design today.
A New Kind of Wall Art
Before Jere, wall décor was mostly paintings or framed prints. Curtis Jere changed that. Their designs played with:
Dimensionality – Art that popped off the wall
Materials – Brass, copper, steel, chrome, enamel
Subjects – Trees, cityscapes, sunbursts, birds, boats, abstract geometry
Each piece felt like a sculpture and a statement—bringing modernism off the canvas and into the room.
Mid-Century to Modern Classic
While their work was mass-produced, it was still hand-finished by skilled artisans, making each piece unique. This hybrid of machine-age efficiency and hand-crafted artistry resonated with a generation fascinated by both progress and beauty.
Today, original Curtis Jere sculptures are collector's items, regularly featured in design magazines, vintage shops, and auctions. Contemporary interiors—from minimalist apartments to bold maximalist spaces—still use Jere’s wall sculptures to create drama and dimension.
The Enduring Legacy
The influence of Curtis Jere is seen in:
Contemporary metal wall art makers
Modernist interior styling trends
Retail reproductions from brands like Jonathan Adler, CB2, and West Elm
Hollywood set design and high-end staging
Curtis Jere proved that modern art didn’t have to stay in galleries. It could hang proudly in homes—dynamic, metallic, and unforgettable.
Looking to add a Curtis Jere piece to your space? Whether you're collecting vintage or investing in a statement wall sculpture, you're embracing a legacy that helped define mid-century glamour and modern artistic boldness.