I made this for you before we met

So it happened again at my last show.

I had started working on a new concept involving copper wire, tissue paper and resin. The idea stemmed from a book called Resin Alchemy by Susan Lenart Kazmer.

Resin coated paper leaves, p.76 Resin Alchemy

From these materials I formed a cuff bracelet and earrings. I loved the look and feel of the copper and paper, and the balance of frailty and strength. Thing is, it wasn’t really working as a bracelet. I put it aside thinking I would get back to it. Got busy with other pieces and projects. Picked up the bracelet a few times, but nothing stirred.
Fast forward three months. I had decided to design a series of four statement necklaces, all utilizing the same materials and techniques. That’s when the epiphany happened. That piece didn’t want to be a bracelet, it wanted to be a necklace! So, the altering, tweaking and embellishing began, and by the end of the day, a frail yet strong neck piece of whirling autumn leaves was complete.

So now what?

When at work in the studio, the goal is to squirrel away for hours on end and come up with a plethora of jewelry pieces. Sometimes at the end of the day I look at what I have made and think to myself “OMG who would wear that?! What was I thinking? Am I crazy?"

The great thing is, when I go to a show, and put those pieces out, someone comes along that is the perfect fit for the piece. At times I even begin by saying, “I think I made this for you before we met!”

So at my last show, the Indiana State Art Fair in Indianapolis, I put this piece in my display case. Lo and behold, along comes this stately, frail yet strong looking woman with her husband, looking for a truly unique neck piece to wear to an event. She sees it and there is an immediate connection. We look at several other pieces and also find the right earrings to harmonize the look. She tried it on and yes, it was a perfect fit.

One thing I love about doing shows is how I get to meet the customer. Like this woman, who I obviously, yet unknowingly, had in mind when I made the piece. It is hugely gratifying to me when this serendipitous connection is made. It inspires and motivates me to keep squirreling away in my studio on the rest of my new ideas and designs.

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Parts of Art

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