Meet Patrik Kusek, AMCAW Volunteer
Did you know that AMCAW is managed and run by a large team of volunteers? All metal clay artists, they share their professional skills and energy to help AMCAW create and bring you more programs, tutorials, and fun. We thought you’d enjoy meeting some of these fabulous volunteers — and perhaps become a volunteer yourself!
Patrik Kusek, Vacaville, CA
From a career in design to metal clay
About two decades ago, Patrik Kusek became dissatisfied by doing more of the management of his thriving graphic design and branding firm and less of what he loved—designing. He signed up for a precious metal clay class at a local college led by Hadar Jacobson, a foundational figure in contemporary metal clay.
To Patrik, the idea of transforming simple clay into shining silver was intriguing, and sculpting felt like a natural extension of his creativity—a way to bring his design skills into a new, tangible form. He felt an immediate connection to the medium.
Finding metal clay became a creative turning point in his life.
Turning metal clay passion into a career
Soon after metal clay became a consuming hobby, it became Patrik’s career.
He initially converted a walk-in closet into a studio, invested in a kiln, and started selling jewelry just to cover materials costs. Teaching soon followed—and with it, a deep joy in helping others discover their own creative voices. Ultimately, Patrik made the bold decision to leave his design firm and devote himself entirely to metal clay. Using his San Francisco office as a studio, he taught hundreds of students every year, sharing both techniques and inspiration across the Bay Area and beyond. Winning first place at the Saul Bell Awards and becoming a senior instructor for Rio Grande opened doors that let Patrik travel and spread his passion nationwide.
Patrik now tells others that like his journey, he believes that it only takes one step to ignite a new path. Follow your creativity, embrace the unknown, and watch how your life transforms.
The AMCAW Community
Today, Patrik’s journey continues through giving private lessons, leading the Northern California Metal Clay Guild, and participating as a featured artist at events like the Metal Clay Artist Symposium (MCAS). He is also excited to be teaching at SINTER in Orlando in 2026 as well as spending time there with others in the community. Patrik manages and designs projects for TextureSmith.com, and he is currently focused on creating a hand-bound art book about mushrooms that uses mixed media and metal clay to tell a compelling story. On a personal note, Patrik is enthusiastic about the art of food and wine pairing, and his latest culinary obsession is salt-cured eggs that give deep umami flavor to any dish.Â
After long admiring AMCAW, Patrik officially became a regular member a few years ago and started contributing articles. Over the past two years, he has stepped up as a volunteer, stretching muscles he hadn’t used in a long time—the ones tied to being part of a team and all the connection that comes with it. But coming together with others, working side by side toward a shared goal, exchanging experiences and skills—it’s been deeply fulfilling and healing in a way he didn’t expect.
If you are interested in becoming an AMCAW Volunteer, we’d love to speak with you. Please visit our volunteer page
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