An intuitive love for form-making and the rhythmic actions of handcrafting inform my process. By using techniques like lost wax casting and keum-boo, I create jewelry with swooping curves and twisting edges, juxtaposing high-polish and matte textures. These curves and textures manipulate light to create shadows, edges, and depth, bringing movement to the work as it responds to the wearer's landscape. One could liken the resulting work to the force of water and wind on land, sand dunes, and flowing architecture. Mirroring the effects of wind on land further accentuates the resulting visual movement within my work.
Niki Leist is a Philadelphia based jewelry artist and curator. Trained as a painter with a BFA from Arcadia University, she brings a sculptural sensibility to her sterling silver and gold work. A Halstead Grant Finalist and recipient of American Craft Council’s Early Career Artist Grant, her jewelry is featured in galleries including the Philadelphia Museum of Art Store. She is a co-curator for Dream Machine at NYC Jewelry Week. She explores movement, light, and form while celebrating artist-led, process-driven practices.
2010
Arcadia University, Glenside, PA
Bachelor of Fine Arts
2008
Monash University, Victoria, Australia
Fine Arts
Independent Jeweler, Philadelphia, PA 2022 - Present
Working Metals/Jewelry Artist
• Built, supply, and maintain studio
• Partnered with local boutiques and galleries to host pop ups and trunk shows
• Selected for numerous juried craft and art shows in the Philadelphia region
• Created and launched wholesale line, fine jewelry line, and custom orders
• Built and maintain website, e-commerce platform, newsletter, and social media
• Taught jewelry classes and workshops at Main Line Art Center in Haverford, PA
• Member of Society of North American Goldsmiths and Nest Guild
2026
March for Art, InLiquid, Philadelphia, PA
2024 - 2025
SHiNY THiNGS, Kendall Reiss Gallery, Bristol, RI
2024
Visiting Artist Residency, Moon + Arrow, Philadelphia, PA, 11/2024
Serious Fun, Gravers Lane Gallery, Philadelphia, PA
2023, 2024
Small Favors, The Clay Studio, Philadelphia, PA
Trunk Show, Vera Doyle, Philadelphia, PA
2023
SNAG Still Processing Online Exhibition
2025, 2026
Dream Machine, NYC Jewelry Week, New York, NY
Co-Curator
2026
American Craft Council Early Career Artist Program + Grant Recipient
2024
Halstead Grant Finalist Recipient
2023
Creative Entrepreneur Accelerator Grant from PA Council on the Arts
2022
Selected for and Graduated from NextFab’s Artisan Accelerator program
2024
JCK Online Magazine, How I Got Here, 2024
2022 - 2025
Featured Maker in NextFab/Grid Magazine Holiday Gift Guide
PA SBDC Holiday Gift Guide
