jewelry design artist statement
*I should point out that I'm taking a break from designing jewelry. Nonetheless, this has been such a vital part of my creative life, and people still ask me questions about my process. So I've modified this statement a bit, and will keep it online for the indefinite future. Thanks for visiting!
While I've pursued artistic endeavors throughout my life, becoming a jewelry designer happened in a roundabout way. These "little works of art" grew out of my exploration of texture and form, light and color. Over the years I studied writing, photography and ceramics: ultimately each of these enhanced my work as a jewelry designer. 
Throwing pots on the wheel several years ago, I became intrigued with the seemingly endless forms the clay could take on. If it could be imagined, I discovered that it could be created. It became a challenge to see what could happen with tiny bits of clay, when formed into shapes that might be worn.
Around the same time I was creating ceramic wall tiles and combining them with copper and glass beads. They were fun to make and people responded exceptionally well to these pieces - in the gallery where I sold them, as well as the festivals where I took what remained, I sold every piece right away. But instead of continuing to explore forms these tiles might take on, I found myself holding a handful of the extra beads I'd purchased for my tiles, seeing them as if for the first time. While people have been wearing beaded jewelry since ancient times, until then my own experience with beads was more-or-less informed by the simple inexpensive beaded strands my grandmother had worn throughout my life. I had never before taken the time to consider the wide array of beads that are available from around the world, the methods used to create them, or the materials that are used. Once I started "playing" with beads, I found there were as many design possibilities as I could conceive of. Just as the pendants with which I was continuing to experiment, each time I combined beads, I ended up with something different from before.
Now, looking back at this surprising fascination with beads, I enjoy remembering all the variety this little hobby of mine allowed me. Oh how I do like variety. Each one was different, and every time I make a new piece - these days mostly for myself rather than for clients - I get excited all over again. Adding the elements of copper and sterling wire and semiprecious stone beads has made the pieces even more interesting. Working a variety of fibers into some of the designs allowed me even greater creative expression.
It's fun to imagine what's coming in the future. Even now, 6 months after I decided to take a break from my fun with jewelry, I still think of designs I'd like to try one day. It looks like the new ideas won't stop, and I look forward to trying them out one day. Good thing I have a handy array of sketch books to capture all the designs!