Jury - 2023 CHESTER COUNTY STUDIO TOUR

I am a maker. And I respect the creative process. In metal smithing, I love how metal can flow and bend to craft form. I truly enjoy when the process results in a piece of beautiful jewelry.

Two of my favorite techniques are water and straw broom casting. The results can create small organic sculptures. Water casting produces cup shapes, like a shell or nest. Broom castings can resemble icicles. The results from each of these casting techniques can stand alone as a single jewelry piece. Some of the casting pieces can be combined with precious stones to fashion a unique jewelry piece.

Fusing and forming are two additional favorites metal working methods. Fusing creates texture, adding a subtle depth to the jewelry. Forming adds volume without excess weight to the piece. Fusing and forming provide an element of interest with dimension as well as a touchable quality. Both procedures offer a sensory appeal with either volume and/or texture.

Jewelry created from these techniques can offer sentiments to the wearer. Visually a piece can reflect a personal preference. A jewelry piece can offer a smooth or textured surface. Either way jewelry is an emotional purchase. Jewelry wearers purchase what they love. They love the look, feel or they love the person who is to receive the item as gift. Sentiment by way of senses or feelings is my creative intention. I am a maker. I love creating beauty and bringing that beauty to others.