ABOUT ALLAN STUCK

Allan signed his first piece of sculpted jewelry in 1964. For over 50 years he has been perfecting his art.

Allan was in PreMed when he took an art appreciation class and was inspired. The following semester he took a sculpting class and realized that art was his true calling. He switched his major multiple times during his nine years at the university, the longest of which was pre-med for three years and zoology as a minor in case he did not become a doctor.

He said he became interested in bones while studying zoology and working at a local rock shop where people would bring in fossils, eventually causing him to switch to sculpting.

Stuck then dropped out of SIU and pursued jewelry making, which he had been doing on the side while in school.

ABOUT ALLAN STUCK JEWELRY

He approaches each piece as a sculpture who creates his pieces from an assortment of materials. Rubies, topaz, and moonstones are used in creating some of his pieces along with extravagant silver and gold designs.

At times fossilized dragonflies, ivory from boar tusks, or even rattlesnake fangs are used.

Stuck said he started to use bones and fossils for his works after meeting a paleontologist almost 30 years ago when he visited the western United States.

“There’s such a variety of patterns and colors in the bones that it gives me a pallet to work with,” he said.

ALLAN STUCK JEWELRY WORN IN HOLLYWOOD

Stuck said his work has been worn by famous individuals such as Angelina Jolie, Miley Cyrus, and Pink. 

After opening his store in Makanda, a customer suggested he send his work to Los Angeles, saying the unique designs would be a hit in Hollywood.

Stuck said he is fortunate to have accomplished what he has over the years and is lucky to have famous individuals wear his creations he sends to the West Hollywood gallery, which advertises and sells his work.

SOUTHERN ILLINOIS ARTIST AT HEART

While his jewelry is still in high demand in Hollywood, Stuck said moving to California is the last thing he would do.

“It’s just ridiculous out there. It’s a rat race,” he said. “I’m originally from Chicago and I came (to southern Illinois) to go to school in 1960 and I stayed. I just love the hills and the critters you see running around … I just really like our beautiful area here.”