Biography: Arline Fisch

Fisch studied extensively in the United States and Denmark. She was awarded two Fullbright Grants which enabled her to study in Denmark. After her education Fisch traveled to Egypt. She has taught at Haystack Mountain School, Skidmoore College, Wheaton College and University of Illinois. Presently she is teaching at San Diego State University (since 1961). Fisch was a guest lecturer at the School of Arts and Crafts in Copenhagen, Denmark. Her first teaching experience was as a painting and drawing instructor at Wheaton College in Norton, Massachusetts. From there she taught at Skidmoore College and was unexpectedly asked to teach a weaving course. This led her to enroll in a summer class in weaving at Haystack Mountain School. During this time she discovered a fascination with the history of weaving, particularly Pre-Colombian textiles. In 1961 Fisch went to San Diego as an Assistant Professor of Art and started a jewelry program.

Fisch also worked for Reed and Barton. She coordinated a group of jewelers to work on a special project, The Signature V Collection, for Reed and Barton. She brought Glenda Arentzin, Ronald Pearson, Mary Ann Scherr and Lynda Watson-Abbott together to work on this exclusive collection of jewelry. The Signature V Collection consisted of twenty-eight pieces.

Arline Fisch is noted for her work with knitted metals. She published a book on the subject, Textile Techniques in Metal for Jewelers. In 1970 she began to study woven and knitted structures. She wanted to use this techniques with metal. That same year she took a sabbatical leave to London where she pursued experiments in weaving. These studies led to graduate courses where students explored weaving, plaiting, crochet knotting and lace making in sterling silver, fine silver, copper, brass and resin coated metals. These experiments also struck up interest in scientists, designers and engineers. Three dimensional forms were used in applications in Industrial Design and Engineering for the strength-to-weight ratios of these woven forms. Fisch learned of this aspect of woven structures and began to exploit it in her work. Through the use of woven structures, Fisch created volumetric and decorative forms without compromising function or wearability.

Fisch has lectured extensively throughout the country and abroad. She is an active participant in organization such as World Crafts Council and the Society of North American Goldsmiths.