Susan Wachler grew up surrounded by gemstones and metalwork in her family’s jewelry business. Yet for decades, she chose a very different path.
As a psychotherapist for more than 35 years in Atlanta, Wachler spent her career listening to stories of struggle, connection and resilience.
Only later did those experiences find a new form, inspiring her to launch a line of richly textured jewelry shaped as much by human emotion as by metal itself.
Artist: Born in Detroit, MI, Wachler grew up in a well-known jewelry family. Her paternal grandfather and his brother were fine jewelers who emigrated from Eastern Europe and launched careers in Detroit in the 1930s.
At an early age, she loved visiting her family’s jewelry studio and store, where she developed an appreciation for jewelry and jewelry making.
After high school, Wachler graduated with a BA in social work and gender studies from Michigan State University, where she stayed and earned a master’s degree in social work.
In 1983, Wachler moved to Atlanta, and in 1987, started a psychotherapy practice, which she owned and operated for 36 years.
While her children were in college, Wachler took classes at the Spruill Center for the Arts in Dunwoody, GA. She continued to take classes, attend workshops and study metalsmithing informally. In 2015, she launched her own sculptural art jewelry line.
In addition to her own jewelry making, Wachler is currently the acting president of the Metal Arts Guild of Georgia in Tucker, where she chairs the board, coordinates the visiting artist programs/workshops and occasionally teaches.
Company/studio: Susan Wachler Art Jewelry started in 2015 in Decatur, GA. The designer works in a small home studio.
Wachler’s younger brother, also a jewelry artist, died in 2016 after years of treatment for leukemia. Following his death, she inherited his tools, benches and stones allowing for further expansion of her creative expression.
Art & materials Hand-fabricated art jewelry, including rings, earrings, necklaces, bracelets and commissioned pieces, using gemstones and recycled and/or ethically sourced metals ($130 to $3,500).
Her techniques include forming, piercing, stone setting, fusing, torch texturing work and sculptural design.
Must-have tools: Single and dual gas torches for fusing, soldering and repurposing of precious metals. Wachler started using a laser welder three years ago and hopes to expand its use to more sculptural pieces.
Inspirations: Human stories of resilience.
Where to buy: susanwachlerjewelry.com
Connect:
- Facebook: Susan Wachler Jewelry
- Instagram: @susanwachlerjewelry
