John Wind is a collage artist who over the past 20 years has developed and refined a unique approach to the design of highly-collectible jewelry and decorative accessories.

Born in Israel then raised in Philadelphia, John studied fiction writing at the University of Pennsylvania (where as fate had it, he wrote a novel whose hero was a jewelry designer!) then won a Thouron Scholarship to study fine art at the Slade School of Art in London. While in London, the eclectic, vintage/modern style that became his signature was born.

In 1985 he returned to the U.S. and began showing under the brand name Maximal Art, gaining quick acclaim for chunky collage brooches and multiple watch bracelets made of linked antique watch heads. As 80's maximal style turned into 90's minimalism, John found his way into the gift world, designing keepsake jewelry, watches, and small gifts -- with themes including Family and Friends, Florals, Holidays, and Judaica. Most recently, with fashion once again turning toward embellishment and art-to-wear, The John Wind Signature Collection was born in 2004. Hearkening back to John's London roots, the line is a funky mix of old and new, elegant chandelier crystals and beads with vintage chains and quirky charms... It has been received with great enthusiasm from press, buyers, and collectors alike, and has brought new styling and energy to all aspects of the company.

John's designs have been featured in numerous magazines and newspapers, including British, US, and Russian Vogue, Harpers Bazaar, the New York Times, Madame Figaro, Elle, In Style, Victoria, Home Companion, Romantic Home and Country Home. He has been published in Vivienne Becker's Fabulous Fakes: The History of Fantasy and Fashion Jewellery, and Janet Fitch's The Art and Craft of Jewelry. Over 1000 fine boutiques and specialty stores around the world carry the line. John has designed runway jewelry for designers Carolina Herrera and Marc Jacobs. Additionally, several iconic pieces are in the permanent collections of both the Victoria and Albert Museum in London, and the Musee des Arts Decoratifs in Paris.

Maximal Art is managed by Robbin Cook, who joined John in 1986 and became President in 1990, overseeing both day-to-day activities and strategic direction and growth. In addition to his work, John is an active member of his community, especially Philadelphia's Institute of Contemporary Art and AIDS fundraising. He and his life partner Kirk Kirkpatrick are enthusiastic travelers and collectors.

For more information please call 1-800-573-3308.