T’Keyah Thomas

Artist in Residence 2024-2025

Jewelry

Studio: 1S

Email: thomastk@missouri.edu

Email for information concerning commissions.

Artist Statement

T’Keyah Thomas is a poet and jewelry designer based in Columbia, MO. A self-taught artist (along with the guidance of several mentors), she works mostly with metals and natural stone beads. While many of her designs are available in sterling silver or copper, she’s most drawn to unlacquered, recycled brass. The changing nature of the metal reminds her of the ebb and flows of life, and the warm golden color against brown skin feels like something royal. 

Ancestral reverence sits at the center of much of T’Keyah’s work. She draws inspiration from the history of African metalsmiths, often adopting the West African philosophy of Sankofa, which means to “go back and get it”. In other words, learn from the past in order to understand the present and better prepare for the future.

The craft of metalsmithing is a meditative one. T’Keyah works full-time for KBIA 91.3fm, Columbia’s NPR member station, and is often bombarded by the news of the day (which only seems to be getting crazier). Focusing on one task at a time (sawing, hammering, filing, sanding, etc) allows her to drop into a flow state, leaving behind the chaos of the world, and create something beautiful out of something hardened and rough.

Jewelry invites connection. In the way that our clothes can become an extension of ourselves, T’Keyah feels the same way about our accessory choices. Her statement earrings are bold and bright and frame the face. While light enough for everyday wear, each piece is imbued with a sense of strength, becoming a sort of armor for the wearer, reminding them that they chose to be bold that day. To be seen and take up space, unapologetically.