Who
I Am and What I Do Amber.
Orthocerus. Ammonite. Hypersthene. Namibia Meteorite. Fire
Agate. Fossilized woolly mammoth tusk. Petrified wood. Rainforest
Jasper. Keishi Pearls. Vintage game pieces. These are but
a few materials that I use in my work to distinguish them
from other artists' designs bringing to the wearer an extra-ordinary
piece.
After
seeking unusual stones, wood, fossils and meteorite pieces,
I work them into a unique piece of wearable art using various
wiring and beading techniques. My art involves professionally
and artistically combining individual pieces into a whole.
I
add to the uniqueness of my work by including a "short
story" of each piece relaying the mythological, historical
and/or symbolic meanings of the materials used in the work.
This little extra adds an amuletic quality to my work. I
often receive commissions for a friend going through a divorce
or a family member trying to overcome grief. I consider
this amuletic quality an integral part of the final piece
and so do my customers!
Even
my most recent venture using vintage game pieces (Bakelite
Mah Jong, Dice, Dominos or Scrabble pieces) in my jewelry
has a similar quality. It reminds the wearer not to take
life too seriously, have fun and be light-hearted!
Nicole
Porte of Mouleydier, France models my new game jewelry.
My
Background
I
developed my skills over the last 20 years through courses
offered by various jewelers and designers in the area and
attending the William Holland School of Lapidary Arts in
Georgia. I also developed my style by experimenting. I continue
to experiment as I like change, I like to learn new approaches
and I like to see my designs continually evolve. I work
out of my home setting aside a special room for my studio.
In
addition to being a member of Local Colors Cooperative Gallery
in Gloucester, MA for about 17 years, I have also sold my
work at Artistries in New York City, Shake the Tree Gallery
in Brookline, Finishing Touches Gallery in Hollywood, Florida,
the Kripalu Center, Olde Ipswich Galleria in Ipswich, MA
and Contique in Marblehead, MA.
Some
of the juried shows I have participated in are the South
End Market (Boston), Old Ipswich Days Arts and Crafts, the
Andover Crafts in the Park, the Annisquam Arts and Crafts
Show, the Fine Arts and the Crafts Festival at the Codman
Estate, the Italian Market (Philadelphia), the Haddonfield
NJ Crafts & Fine Art Festival and the Beverly Arts fest.
I
hope you enjoy my site and don't hesitate to contact me
for your own amuletic piece!
