Artist Statement
For the past 30 years I have been a Silversmith but now with the high cost of metals the jewelry industry is collapsing and I am taking a sabbatical from my jewelry. I am being nudged by my artistic muse to try new things making sure that whatever it is I am working with it is environmentally safe and non- toxic to me as well. Perhaps it is getting older and more aware, or the fact that I have a 5 year old precious niece, but I find myself constantly considering all of the impact my actions and the materials I work with have on the earth.
When I closed my antiques and jewelry store last spring I found myself left with a showcase of Victorian Silverplated serving pieces that no one wanted to buy. Being a Master Silversmith I had always admired the detail work and forms of old silver. One night I had a dream, which is how most of my designs emerge, and all of the ornate pieces were in wonderful bright colors. So, using my 30 year background working with metals and my artist intuition I embarked on an exciting new research and development project.
Much of that old silver plate and 1930's aluminum I have now enameled
in french blue, chinese red, mint green, black and white. I found a process
that is green and non toxic to the environment. Using techniques that
are labor intensive but safe I am making my small contribution to the
future of our planet by up-cycling . I wish we would figure out more ways
to use what has already been mined out of the earth over the past hundred
years and keep it from going back into landfills. I am so excited to be
making these antiques contemporary and useable. The jeweler in me has
taken a number of special pieces and adorned them with pearls and stones.
They are food safe, anti-bacterial, beautiful, and you never have to polish
them again!
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