I have taste for small, intimate artworks and jewelry fits that description. I tend to like jewelry that is a bit raw or honest to its materials and making techniques. I am often attracted to pieces that reflect my West Coast attachment to nature and things of the spirit. Oddly enough, I don't care about wearability at all since I rarely wear jewelry... I know it's weird. Many years ago I launched AJF and have an ongoing commitment to AJF because I believe that linking together AJF members--curators, gallerists and collectors--is critical to furthering a healthy and educated audience for jewelers.
AJF is my teacher. I have learned so much about studio artist jewelry -- discovered books and websites, galleries and exhibits and have been exposed to work by artists I would never have discovered on my own. My horizon and vision have been greatly expanded since joining AJF.I like to think that my work on the Board, particularly with the award program, helps bring attention to and helps to promote studio jewelry artists and their work to a broader audience. My collection doesn’t have a particular focus, although my husband feels it’s somewhat anthropomorphic. I collect what speaks to me and has the loudest voice at the moment.
My fascination with jewelry began many years ago when I lived in Saudi Arabia, where I often heard jewelry, but didn't see it. Saudi tribal women herald status through the jingling sounds of jewelry worn under their black head-to-toe veils - the louder the better. Today contemporary artist-made jewelry grips my curiosity. I love looking at it, thinking about its meaning and studying how it is made. I live for those moments when I'm blown away by the disproportionat power of a small piece to communicate a big idea. As AJF Treasure my responsibilitie include finance, membership and managing our website.
Ever since my first jewelry-making class when I was 17 I have been intrigued by the power of these small objects. The careful work drawing upon years of technique is combined with the spark of a creative mind to form an artwork that can be worn. There seems to be no end to the fascination with color, form and texture. Add to this the primal appreciation of stone, wood and metal and you have a vibrant art form. AJF understands this fascination and is dedicated to foster the study and appreciation of this exciting field. I am proud to be a part of this exploration and look forward to seeing where we go.
I hail from the land of storytellers, so it should be no surprise that I gravitate to narrative or message-inspired art, whether subtle or overt. Because I love beautiful, well-crafted objects, contemporary jewelry affords me a way to satisfy these pleasures succinctly in a single piece of art. It is the best of all worlds. Although I am drawn to surface, materials, and artistic vision inherent to a work, my driving passion is to expand my knowledge on as many levels as possible. Thus AJF serves to help me achieve my personal goals within the contemporary jewelry arena. I believe that he, who learns the most, prospers most.
