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FRED JOHNORMAN New Mexico produces or nurtures more than its fair share of "enchanted" originals. One of them has left us. Artist, artisan, designer, teacher, jeweler extraordinaire, friend, and father, Fred Johnorman Roberts, departed this life July 28, 2006 after a valiant battle with failing health. Born July 19, 1938 in Gallup, Johnorman grew up in Albuquerque's north valley and showed early artistic talent. From Valley High School to an art scholarship at Highlands University in Las Vegas to apprentice jeweler at Fogg's of Albuquerque, a unique and bold expressive vision energized his artistic endeavors. His originality won global recognition in 1964 when one of his designs received the DeBeers Diamonds International Award, generally considered the world's most prestigious and influential recognition for design excellence in jewelry, and a first for a New Mexico jeweler. In an era when New Mexico's jewelry industry flowered and flourished, Johnorman's design, technique, and craftsmanship produced works of remarkable ambition, reflecting his mastery of the entire scope of jewelers art and standing in sharp contrast to the general market. His shop in the mid '70s was a training atelier for numerous up and coming jewelers. His clientele included many of the leading and flamboyant figures of the New Mexico community landscape and beyond. After "retiring" in 1977, Johnorman embarked on a series of "great adventures" that took him to Australia and various parts of the US before returning to Albuquerque in 1983 where he resumed his jewelry making in tandem with other diverse interests and activities, consistent with the "renaissance man" soul that illuminated and animated his actions. Those privileged enough to have known him have Johnorman's spirit lines engraved on their beings with the elegance and soaring beauty that his gifted hands could carve into metal. His life was a triumph of indomitable will and an irrepressible optimism that could always perceive the rainbow waiting on the other side of the mountain. Such was the power of his love, that he could help us see it too. Johnorman is survived by his wife, Geni; children, Devd, Julie, Orion, Sarah, Markus, Vincent, and Matthew; and a world visibly enriched by his having been here. Memorial Service to be held Saturday, August 12, 2006, 1 p.m. at Unitarian Church, Carlisle and Comanche, 345-5734.
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