2214 2nd Avenue North: Ballard Law Office

I am a primarily self-taught jewelry artist, and I am constantly experimenting with metal sheet, wire, and foil to add new elements to my designs. For example, I emboss a shape I have cut from brass or copper foil, and layer it onto a backing I have made from nickel covered in silver, to create a pendant with contrasting metal colors and textures. Other pendants might be manipulated with round pliers to create soft waves in the metal, and covered with drips of silver to add an organic feel to the piece. I also paint a patina solution onto some parts of the metal to add a blue-green color to the brass or copper, which can be accented with watercolor pencil and sealed, to add more color to certain designs. Most of my designs are abstract, but inspired by nature. The organic shapes of leaves and vines lend themselves well to the folds and bends of the metal, especially with the look of the natural patina finish. I cut thick metal wire segments and bend them into twists and curls, to make components that can be linked together, often in combination with metal pendants, chains, or stones on wire links. In most of my work, I incorporate semi-precious gemstones, either set into metal pieces, woven together with wire, or simply strung together in unusual combinations. I go to New York, Atlanta and Dallas several times a year and buy gemstones from multiple sources, which allow me to find a wide variety of stones, and to constantly add new colors or cuts of stones to keep my work current. I also add pieces of vintage jewelry, or antique chains, mixed with titanium mesh, and the variety of materials helps to give each piece a unique look. My goal is always to have something new and different each time I show my work.