About Me: A Custom Jewelry Artist Blending Tradition and Innovation

My jewelry involves traditional metalsmithing techniques and metal clay, blending ancient practices with innovative materials to create wearable art. As a custom jewelry artist, I draw on decades of creative exploration across multiple mediums to craft pieces that are both technically skilled and deeply personal.

A silver necklace with an oval pendant featuring an iridescent, pearl-like stone set in a textured metal frame, on a dark gradient background.
Silver bracelet with textured, geometric charms linked in a circle. Designs include leaf patterns and abstract motifs, set against a dark gradient background.
A silver ring with a large, elongated stone featuring dark green and brown hues. The background is a glossy black, reflecting the ring below.

From Clay to Metal: My Artistic Journey

My background in art began with earthenware clay. As a potter, I made functional and nonfunctional sculptural pieces. Later, in art school, I studied metalsmithing, printmaking, and graphic art. I worked for 10 years as a graphic designer, using a computer for layout and design. In 2000 I retired from my job in computer graphics to pursue a more meaningful, hands-on creative life, making jewelry.

A round, iridescent mother of pearl pendant set in silver hangs from a delicate chain adorned with small pearls against a gradient gray background.

Discovering Precious Metal Clay

That same year, I discovered an entirely new way to work with silver: silver clay. Precious metal clay (PMC) was introduced to the art community in the United States by Mitsubishi Japan in 1994. PMC is a soft, malleable substance made from pure silver or gold. It is comprised of three ingredients: pure silver or gold (much of which is recycled and cut into extremely fine particles), organic binder, and water.

It can be molded, textured, and shaped like traditional clay. When fired in a kiln to sinter it, the binder burns off, leaving .999 fine metal, which can then be soldered and formed like sterling silver sheet.

Silver ring featuring an intricate wave pattern and a prominent pearl centerpiece, highlighting its elegant craftsmanship and design.
Pink Pearl Ring
A round silver ring with a textured floral design and a small central diamond is showcased against a dark, reflective surface, exuding elegance.
Silver ring adorned with a swirling patterned design, featuring a prominent pearl centerpiece. Reflective surface enhances its elegance.

Combining Techniques and Mediums

I often create texture by carving plates, as I did in printmaking, and I also make polymer tear-away plates, often using the computer. I can also carve the silver clay with carving tools when it is dry. Silver clay is perfect for fusing 24k gold in the ancient Keum-boo process and for enameling.

Since working with this amazing material, bronze, copper, and other metals have been introduced. The biggest advantage is that I can combine techniques I have used in printmaking, pottery, and graphic design. And I can add my metal clay pieces to fabricated pieces to combine the two.

Traditional Metalsmithing Skills

I also practice my metalsmithing skills, making rings, setting stones, and forming metal.

Silver pendant necklace featuring intricate designs and symbols, including "Om" and "Shanti," on a dark leather cord.

Creating Wearable Art

I hope to make my designs unique and to create a piece of art to wear and enjoy.