Trained in fine arts back in the time when dinosaurs roamed the earth, I eventually transitioned those skills to computer-based graphic design, serving as graphic designer and Director of Communications for a major university until my retirement in 2014.
For many years I created jewelry as a hobby using a variety of traditional techniques and materials, selling my wares primarily at artisan craft shows in the Mid-Atlantic region. Then I discovered precious metal clay, and my work took off in a brand new direction.
For the uninitiated, precious metal clay is composed of pure silver particles mixed with water and an organic binder. The clay can be molded, sculpted, textured and shaped into beautiful forms. The dry greenware is fired at a high temperature in a kiln, where the water and binder burn off, leaving the pure silver particles to sinter into a solid silver object. The resulting material is called fine silver (.999), as opposed to sterling silver (.925), due to its purity. The pure silver can be adorned with dichroic glass or fireable cubic zirconias, which will withstand the high firing temperatures of the clay and add color to a piece.
Once I discovered precious metal clay, the die was cast, so to speak. Nearly all of my work these days is in fine silver. I enjoy in particular creating forms from life – flowers, leaves, sea creatures, small animals and birds.
I am currently a certified Art Clay® instructor and enjoy teaching others to work in this lovely medium. |
