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I was introduced to the jewelry business
as a child while 'helping' my grandmother and mother in their
jewelry business in Rhode Island. Although I didn't quite
appreciate it then, the lessons learned while spending time
around the shop turned out to be the foundation for my passion
for fabricating jewelry in metal, enamels and glass. One of
my brothers continued in the jewelry business as well and
it was he that put another spark into the thoughts of carrying
on with the family trade.
The fascination that I had with all the colors they used back
in the 1960's is quite evident in my work today.
Enameling has become the perfect medium for me to combine
my love of color, glass, and metal. The play of color in transparent
and opaque enamels leads to endless possibilities and quite
often, some welcomed surprises. The different qualities of
the metals used for enameling always provides for new surfaces
and finishes that can be manipulated to deliver unique pieces
and results. Years of practice, experimentation and trial
and error, otherwise known as learning the craft, have enabled
me to use this traditional medium in a contemporary application
to produce individual pieces that are personalized and representative
of each owner's preferences and interests.
From my work with enameling, I have added
the skills of working with hot glass. I absolutely love making
glass beads that are incorporated into both large and small
jewelry pieces. Looking at the colors, transparency and fluidity
of the glass are like peeking into a kaleidoscope. The depth
and vibrancy of the colors used in my beads allows me to create
unique pieces that have great beauty and visual interest.
Of course, the creation of the individual
beads and enamels doesn't stop with just each piece. I also
design and construct the necklaces, bracelets and settings
that support each piece and make them wearable. Combined together,
each piece is composed of various and different techniques,
resulting in very individualized pieces of art.
I am extremely fortunate to be able to
pursue my passion of creating works of art that will be enjoyed
by their owners and friends.
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