"I want to design and make objects in such a way that the beauty and craftsmanship speak for themselves."

Donald Stuart is an internationally acclaimed goldsmith from Barrie Ontario whose work is found in many private and public collections across the country, including the Canadian Museum of Civilization. His unique designs, handcrafted from precious stones and metals combined with other materials like wood and stainless steel are sought after in Canada and abroad. Founder of the weaving, jewellery and metals programs at Georgian College of Applied Arts and Technology, he encouraged his many students to make excellence their hallmark. He has taught around the world including the Philippines, Sri Lanka, Costa Rica and Lesotho.

Geography played a role in his earliest creations, inspired by the landscape of the north. In the late 1960s he traveled to Baffin Island where he founded Pangnirtung Weaving Studio, the largest of its kind in the country and one of the region's main sources of employment.

It was in the Arctic that Stuart first developed his inlay techniques, which has become his signature. The resource-rich land provided a wealth of colourful materials that the artist felt inspired to incorporate into his jewellery.  He is fascinated with combining ordinary objects, such as pebbles, with gold and precious stones often setting inlays within inlays.

Donald Stuart was made a member of the Order of Canada, the nation’s highest honour for lifetime achievements in 2002. In summarizing his career the Chancellery of the Governor General’s office stated:

“His effect on Canada’s arts and crafts industry has been profound and lasting”.