Da'oud Thompson

     Trained in the art of lost wax casting and gemology, Da’oud attended Santa Barbara City College Geology and Gemology department, and then studied at Humboldt State University, Santa Barbara Art Institute, and under other master jewelers at the Tucson Jeweler's Art Center. He has apprenticed under renowned jewelry and sculpture artists as well as advanced studies at the Revere Academy in Oakland.

     Starting originally in stone sculpture, his work moved easily to the realm of casting and metal fabrication.  Having completed university studies, Da’oud continued his education by attending classes at the Tucson Gem and Mineral Show GIA, as well as Santa Barbara Adult Education jewelry and art classes.

     He joined his first Renaissance Festival in 1987 when he opened his booth at the Southern California Pleasure Faire in Agoura, California. From there he opened booths at the Minnesota, Colorado, Arizona, and North Carolina Renaissance Festivals. A workshop exists at each of these locations, meaning the work is created on site, a traveling workbench being one of the many talents Da'oud perfected. 

     He always had an interest in ancient symbolism, cave art as well as metaphysical symbolism. He believed jewelry has much greater depth when it connects the sacred with the profane. Subtly incorporated into these designs, he endeavored to have a multidimensional impact on the wearer. Color, symbolism, gemstone energies, and the ever present feel of the flow of water are the hall-marks of his work.

     Da’oud was a Pisces.