Fenster is a colleague and friend of Eleanor Moty. Their works were featured together in the exhibition and accompanying catalogue Metalsmiths and Mentors: Fred Fenster and Eleanor Moty (2006) at the University of Wisconsin-Madison.
He is a founding member of the Society of North American Goldsmiths (SNAG).[8]
Work
As a metalsmith, Fenster is influenced by the simplicity of Scandinavian design.[2]
Fenster makes objects that are both beautiful and usable,[2] including jewelry, holloware, and flatware, using gold, silver, copper, and pewter. He is often commissioned to make Judaica and liturgical objects such as Kiddush cups. Fenster uses scoring and bending techniques to create elegant three-dimensional forms with clean, graceful lines.[6]
“There’s nothing sophisticated about the techniques I’m using. I’m working with the time-honored techniques of hammering, hammering, hammering, and then fabricating the parts that are hammered to shape. But sometimes the results are a little unusual.” --Fred Fenster[8]
^ abGeske, Norman (1976). American Metal Work, 1976. Lincoln, NE: Sheldon Museum of Art Catalogues and Publications. 95. p. 13. Retrieved 18 December 2021.
^ abcdefg"Fred Fenster". Smithsonian American Art Museum. Retrieved 18 January 2022.
^ abcdeFriedlich, Donald (2005). "Studio Visit - Fred Fenster". Metalsmith Magazine (Winter). Ganoksin Jewelry Making Community. Retrieved 18 January 2022.