Brad Blakely is one of the leading contemporary Netsuke and Ojime carvers whose art is collected worldwide. In November 1997 Blakely and ten other western carvers were invited to meet with Robert 0. Kinsey and TIH Prince Takamado and Princess Hisako of Japan to the opening ceremonial of the Bowers Museum Joint Exhibition of the Kinsey and Japanese Imperial Contemporary Netsuke Collections.
His work has appeared in significant books and exhibitions including; Netsuke, Modern Masterpieces, (Masayoshi Yamada. Tokyo, Japan 1990), Living Masters of Netsuke, (Robert 0. Kinsey 1984), The Arts of Pacific Asia Bi-Annuals, Santa Monica and New York City, the Museum of Arts and Design, New York City.
His latest sculptures and jewelry (in exotic woods, minerals, precious stones and bone) have been influenced by both Japanese and Maori styles.
Mr. Bradford studied at Atelier Talboutier-Martin, Paris France, Museum Art School, Portland, Oregon and did his graduate work at the Otis-Parson Art Institute, Los Angeles, California.
