Turning tables

tibetan coral and turquoise inlaid pendant

As I have slowly been regaining my footing and rhythm in life, I have realized that my goals both artistically, and personally have changed and evolved.  I have been reading some online journals of other artists, and I've been finding inspiration in how openly they are able to share their lives, thoughts, hopes, wishes, and dreams.  Being an introverted individual I find it difficult to write about myself at times.  I realize now that I need to slowly overcome this blockage especially as it relates to art since it hinders my own creative expression.   The voice that I use here with you is my true voice... but it is fragile and vulnerable at times.  

Vintage bone silver pendants

I started my artistic journey with the hopes of crafting beautiful works that kindred spirits would find joy, comfort and beauty in.  My jewelry is to be a constantly evolving progression of these endeavors, nourished seeds from my heartfelt wishes to spread intrinsic power, peace (and yes as corny as it sounds) love through my hands.  I have had several people tell me through my life when meeting me how my hands have this constant uncanny heat, they are vessels of energy.  Now as I grow older I am developing the same arthritic knuckles that my grandma (who I was named after) has, these infrequent aches have shifted how I approach my work, and what mediums I wish to engage in.  Hands are meant to be supportive, caring, sustaining, and nurturing... I use mine with intent as I cradle my daughter's full round cheeks, or wash her little body.  My hands often fly about like excited little birds when I get animated as I speak, they also like to smooth bed sheets, shell peas, pinch pastry dough, and seek out the small of my man's strong back.  

Lapis brass round pendant

As of now my hands are eager to compose new things... to work with the coolness of clay, textures of natural elements, and the softness of fabric.  I feel increasingly mindful that each piece of jewelry I make with them holds a resonance of their energy, and their heat.  And so I am making space again in my life and work, sharing through the shop (in these photos above) some extra special elements that I cannot hoard any longer but hope can be treasured anew by others.  

Baby greyhound snuggling in my lap 

Today my hands were able to cuddle this wonderful little creature named in Japanese after a divine wind.  There is nothing so precious as the trust that a baby animal or human expresses. As this tiny one sought refuge on my lap for her quiet place to rest, I mentally thought how if I could sustain this inner feeling of peace that she found in me I could do better, in my art, in my life as a mother, and friend and partner.  

I tend to want to overcomplicate things, I see all the possibilities in different mediums and techniques in art, and I want to learn them all and experiment.  This sweet video I found last night brought me home to the realization that I need not feel like everything I make has to be extremely complicated, the product of chemicals, adhesives and fumes. That I don't need to blast, and torch, and pound, and strain mentally over each creation.. but just do and make with grace and wonderful materials.   

I want to say thank you to everyone who has commented, read my posts, or purchased something from my shop. I am so grateful for your friendship, support and kindness, I wouldn't be here if it wasn't for you.  xo!