Bender Sterling

Shellie Bender is best known for her award-winning “WEARable SCULPTURE,” described as being "between jewelry and architecture." In her career, she has utilized many materials, including gold and silver, wood, natural stone, pearls, and rubber. Her current line of jewelry incorporates luscious, vibrant rubber with sterling silver and magnetic closures, all designed by her.

Shellie’s conceptual focus is on the interaction between contrasting materials and the fluid movements of the wearer while engaging with her bracelets, necklaces, earrings, and rings. Her pieces are worn by collectors nationwide, and her presence in Lawrence, KS, is best known for her dedication to Art Education and for her sculpture “Mobility,” located outside the Historic Union Pacific Depot. "I think of my work as wearable sculpture, falling somewhere between jewelry and architecture." 

Her work has been exhibited at many fine galleries in the US, Canada, and Japan. A New York native, she moved to Lawrence, KS, after completing her master's in design. Shellie Bender's work is included in Lark Books' 500 Necklaces, a global collection of contemporary designers interpreting a timeless form, selected by Marjorie Schick, and 500 Metal Vessels, juried by Fred Fenster.