Artist Statement:
I find beauty in simple, natural forms accentuated by unexpected textures and color contrasts. At times I look back to ancient art for inspiration, such as the basic human forms in Native American rock drawings. At other times I explore modern and contemporary art. The clean lines and minimalist aesthetic of early-mid 20th-century visual art have shaped my own pared-down style. The joy of discovering the unexpected drives my work. Finding new textures, for example, and highlighting them with gold or a dark patina can take me in a new direction. I work in sterling silver, 24K gold, and semi-precious stones, striving to push the limits of my materials and my own creative impulses. Processes such as etching, patination, and keum-boo (fusing 24K gold to silver) add rich texture and deep color contrasts to my work. My greatest hope is that my jewelry will bring joy to others.
Photos by Jim Palmieri