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For some reason, circles are comforting.   It may be that we are always looking for closure?  It may be our circle of life – something that starts and ends almost at the same place.  One definition I found captures the spirit quite well.  “Circles do not begin or end. They move without restriction, suggesting energy and power. They can roll freely, representing the infinite and unity/oneness. While circles move freely, they can protect what’s inside their boundaries.”

When I find a round piece of sea glass – in particular a well-worn bottleneck top that I can lay flat, it’s one of the biggest gifts of nature.  I made my first sea glass piece using one of these some time ago – a sea foam blue color with a simple pearl in the middle.  I find that it immediately attracts attention – it’s always a conversation piece, yet design-wise, it’s quite simple.

I have precious few of these unique pieces, but I want to share them with those who appreciate their spirit.  At this stage of life, I am experiencing personal challenges and growth that I fully expect to show up in my creative journey.    Whereas many of my clients over the years have purchases sea glass to make them feel good, I will continue to create elegant and artistic pieces to fulfill that need in others and myself.

Recently I was invited to be part of the Artisan Market at the Museum of Fine Arts Boston this coming November 9^th.   With 15 years behind my creative journey, this is by far the biggest privilege for me and testament to my goal to design in my own palate and break some rules along the way.  Thank you for your support.   I hope to see you this coming studio tour – October 12-14 , by appointment – especially the week before the tour, and hopefully on November 9^th to support the MFA and this milestone in my creative journey.

A Passion for Fashion | Inspiration jumps out of the closet!

It’s the dead of winter and it’s too cold to go out and forage for sea glass.  I am staring at 30 bottles overflowing with glass and pottery that I have collected for 25 years.   It’s also the low season for selling as everyone is spent (literally) from the holidays. We are faced with the daunting task of creating new work in time for our mid-January photo shoot.  So just what exactly got me into the studio to create 30 new pieces over the last month?

Upon reflection, it’s all right here in my universe.  It starts in my closet.  I have always loved to accessorize.  Even in high school, my teachers would comment on me and my two closest pals and call us the “fashion plates.”   But even in my plainest attire, I cannot leave the house without a barrette and 99% of the time, earrings.  In the winter, in particular, the heavier jackets and sweaters are a wonderful backdrop to an oversize brooch – a STATEMENT PIECE.  I recommend one for each jacket in your closet and then you are always prepared.   When I went to an office every day, accessorizing was the only way to differentiate my wardrobe for 52 weeks a year x 5 days – that’s 260 work outfits + casual weekends and special events.   Granted, we are more “casual” now as a society, but there’s still room for many combinations of jewelry and accessories.  So for my fellow fashionistas, I simply must make sure that I keep creating beautiful things for them to wear!

What really gets my juices flowing is getting feedback on my work. It’s the beautiful thank you note I received from a very old friend from Asia with whom I recently reconnected who now owns one of my collection “gems” – wearing these exquisite blue earrings in Florida.   It’s the woman who approached me in Church last week and asked me where I found my barrette.  What she didn’t know is that for years I have been staring at her thick long hair wondering how to tell her she should come to the studio!  It’s the lovely note from a pair of museum curators that visited the studio in October and told me how much they loved the work.

I love creating unique designs and wearable art that can be enjoyed every day and also can serve a need such as hair accessories.  More than anything, I hope that it finds its way to the right person who appreciates the design and thought that went into it.  So my inspiration comes from each and every person who has stepped into the studio, visited my booth, sent me notes, followed me in social media, and shared kind words.  You have inspired me to reach further into my creative soul and find beauty to share.

Building a design collection – Striking a balance of old and new!

2018 marks my 15^th year of designing wearable art in sea glass.  It all started with hair accessories and my desire to revive the art of hair jewelry.  But I quickly learned that this would simply not be enough.  In fact, it was just the tip of the iceberg.

Reflecting on the challenges of building a collection of designs, I have learned the importance of striking a balance between the core of the collection and the need to meet the demands of returning and new clients.  I recently had a conversation with a patron who expressed her frustration with finding jewelry that she loved and then returning to find that the artist completely changed creative direction.   On the other hand, a large segment of regular customers expect to see at least one new thing each time they show up at your studio.  I do try to listen to my customers and as such, have built a robust collection that speaks to both groups.

By way of example, barrettes, brooches, and earrings are essential parts of the collection.  New items include a wide variety of pendants and bracelets.  Niche items include eye glass holders, convertible pin-pendants, button covers, and sweater guards.  In the past year, I have introduced “Bottleneck Beauty” pendants that are a “limited edition” simply because of the rarity of the old bottlenecks.  I have also introduced a variety of new bracelets to appeal to a more contemporary palate.  Using leather cuffs as the base, I am finding this look to attract a more hip crowd to sea glass which is often considered “traditional.” I have also introduced a very “light” wire bracelet that is easy to wear and very flexible.  This seems to appeal to a more mature customer due to its easy-to-wear feature.  The button covers were the idea of a male visitor to my studio and now I call this the unisex collection!

Whether its new items, designs, colors, materials, or just the way the work is presented, it is important to strike a balance between your look (or brand) and the ever evolving expectations of art lovers.  I am imminently grateful to my base of clientele who have helped me evolve and grow the collection for the past 15 years.  Please stop in any time by appointment or at the upcoming 35th Annual Cape Ann Artisan Tour the weekend of October 6-8 10AM-5PM.   View samples of the collection at Steamline Strength Pilates Studio at 119 Main Street in Gloucester Ma.