| ARTIST STATEMENT |
I combine sterling silver with freshwater pearls,
mixing the organic with inorganic. Pearls are a legendary gem, dating back 2206 BC
in China. They were treasured as a symbol of wealth, revered for their
mystical powers and valued for their uniqueness. From ancient China and India to
medieval Europe and Arabia and in almost every culture pearls have been used for
medicinal purposes ranging from aphrodisiacs to cures for insanity.
Interestingly enough, the pharmaceutical industry continues to use pearls in
medicine. Pearls of inferior quality are ground into a fine powder and used to prepare
high-quality pharmaceutical calcium. Silver dates back to old Egyptian
civilization. Silver was very rare and therefore called "white gold." It was also
called the "lunar metal" - cold and luminous like the moon's reflection on the water.
Sterling silver is the metal of choice to frame in and around
freshwater pearls. The use of freshwater pearls with sculptural sterling
silver.... is kind of a yin-yang thing. Most designs begin as a two-dimensional drawing,
where the basic lines and shapes are developed. All my work is hand fabricated using sterling and fine silver
with 14k gold and pearls for color....
|  |
using traditional metalsmithing techniques to form each piece. It is not
unusual for one of my necklaces to take over 18 hours to produce. I am inspired by
nature's gentle curves and it's textures that give us endless possibilities.
It's my goal to design and create unique, high quality jewelry.
| |
|
|
