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I discovered beads entirely by
accident while studying silver smithing in Vermont. During a search for
stones to set in my silver designs, I was drawn to a sparkling array of
beautiful strings of beads in every hue imaginable. Entranced by the
shapes, sizes, and colors I began to integrate these beauties into my
silver designs. From that point on I recognized my true passion,
creating personal adornment from dazzling beads from around the world.
Part of the creative process is the
never-ending search for unusual beads and beautiful objects to enhance
my original designs. Like an artist with a brush and a pallet of paint,
I combine colors, shapes, and textures to create a unique piece of
wearable art.
I frequently embellish designs with my
handcrafted wirework or include pendants, charms, clasps, or beads I
have designed and created from .999 Fine Silver. The Fine Silver items
are created from a unique malleable material consisting of microscopic
particles of pure silver, blended with an organic binder, and then
molded, sculpted, shaped or carved into the desired shape. Many of these
items are hand molded from impressions I take from antique glass,
vintage buttons, or items from nature such as leaves, corn husks, bark,
or shells. After the kiln firing process the binder is burned away and
the silver is fused, resulting in .999 Fine Silver. Some of the Fine
Silver items are enhanced with 24K Gold, bonded by an ancient Asian
diffusion process, Keum-boo. As with anything handcrafted, each piece of
jewelry will have its own unique character and no two will be exactly
alike.
The natural beauty of my surroundings has
always energized my designs. I'm originally from New England and found
it exciting to capture the vivid reds, yellows, and oranges that would
erupt in the fall. The wild blues and greens of the crashing ocean waves
have enhanced many of my designs. I now call New Mexico home and am
frequently spellbound and motivated by the spectacular sunsets,
brilliant rainbows or the rosy hues reflected on the Sandia Mountains. I
also draw immense inspiration from the vibrant blooms in my flower
gardens from spring until fall. I work intuitively and there is always
an element of surprise in the final piece.
Jewelry is an intimate possession and each of
my designs has its own character and creates its own mood, as it becomes
part of the wearer's persona. I sincerely hope you enjoy the spirit of
the design and that it will become a loved and favorite piece of
adornment. |