As artists, we often find ourselves caught in an eternal flip-flop between states of motivation and states of overwhelm. Having lots of ideas is a sign of healthy creativity. Keeping multiple projects in-progress prevents boredom. Unfortunately, there can be a tipping point when that creative motivation spins out into burn-out or paralysis, and our work…
Over the course of my career, there have been a number of pieces that are significant markers of how I’ve been able to pioneer the ancient metalsmithing techniques that are my passion. My Eastern repoussé cuff bracelets stand out among my most favorite and certainly the most talked about of my work. They’re the best…
Another Eastern repoussé ring ready for the unveiling Enveloped VII Crescents and and undulating leaves of sterling envelop the natural gem silica cabochon, set in 22 karat gold. This Eastern repoussé ring is free-hand forged to form a dramatic ring that is both light and comfortable. Fits US ring sizes 8 to 9 (may be…
As promised in the last post… Voila! Recently completed, wearable artwork! Swirling petal forms wrap the finger to conjure the depth of a rose and the feel of La Belle Époque. This Eastern repoussé and scrollworked ring is free-hand forged from 18 karat gold sheet fused to a sterling silver backing, providing the warm color of…
It’s a major challenge for nearly half of my Eastern Repousse students – how to translate the technique into beautiful flowers and leaves. Invariably, every time I have ever taught Eastern Repousse over the past 3 decades, some students design lovely flowers to “puff out.” And every time they get to the stage of chasing…
“At one point I had wires looped three times through your heart,” said interventional cardiologist Dr. Pratik Sandesara, to my husband the next day. I have secretly dubbed this man ‘Ariadne,’ the archetypal weaver from Greek mythology. The maze is the cardiovascular system. The Minotaur was the complete block in the artery. Theseus is the the…
For all my writing about loving long days and how I would fight to the death to keep Daylight Savings Time legal, I have a confession to make: I seriously love the Winter Solstice. Perhaps it’s that I love (and maybe run at) extremes, and the celebration of an extra long night of stars (if…
