I am the sole designer
of my jewelry. The primary material used for focal
pieces is fine silver and Premo and Kato clays.
The techniques include mokumé gané,
cane work, sculpture, painting, layering, extruding
and texturing to create miniature wearable paintings
and sculptures. I then fire, sand, buff, and drill
the pieces to finish them in preparation for use
as part of my overall design for a particular
necklace, bracelet, or stand-alone piece.
Once the focal piece is finished, it is arranged
in the overall composition of other coordinated
elements of clay or metal and/or semi-precious
stones, crystals, or beads to complete the design.
I will then make matching earrings or bracelets
using complementary designs and techniques.
When using silver, gold, copper, or brass elements,
I apply traditional metal working techniques such
as hammering, sawing, applique, soldering, and
polishing. If I use precious metal clay, I sculpt,
texture and then fire in a kiln and finish by
burnishing, sanding, applying patinas and polishing.
In order to design a large variety of pieces,
I also carefully choose focal pieces in glass
and silver by favorite artists when I want techniques
for my jewelry that I do not use myself.
I strive for elegance and graphic impact in my work. |
