For Jessica Beels, materials are more than a medium. They’re the starting point, and they often hold the message. Drawing on found objects and unexpected materials, the Kentucky artist creates sculptures and installations that invite viewers to reconsider their relationship with the objects they use, discard – and often overlook. Artist: Born in New York City,…
Whether hiking a forest trail or exploring a new town or gallery, Audrey Laine Sawyer is always observing. The North Carolina metalsmith and jewelry designer draws on those experiences to create wearable and sculptural pieces that explore the intersection of nature and modern design. Artist: Sawyer grew up in Cincinnati, OH, and received her BA in…
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…
Virginia’s Tavia Brown describes her metal jewelry designs as “a little edgy and a little refined.” Artist: Born in Lexington, KY, Brown moved at age five with her family to Charlottesville, VA, where she grew up creating and taking art classes in her community and school. At Appalachian State University in Boone, NC, she received…
Asheville metalsmith Elizabeth Walton is drawn to the intimacy of jewelry and its ability to facilitate interactions between the maker, wearer and viewer. Artist: Born and raised in Asheville, NC, Walton moved to Boone, NC to earn her BFA in metalsmithing and jewelry design from Appalachian State University. After graduating, she returned to Asheville to…
Francesca Vitali is a modern-day alchemist. The Texas-based designer, who started her career as a chemist, turns everyday papers into jewelry that is both modern and special. Artist: Grew up in Rome, Italy, where she earned undergraduate and master’s degrees in chemistry. She left home to pursue her PhD at the University of Zurich in Switzerland.…
Debe Dohrer says her jewelry line is not for the meek. “It’s unapologetic, attention-worthy jewelry,” said the Nashville designer. “And it always makes a statement.” Artist: Born in Salt Lake City, UT, Dohrer moved to Scottsdale AZ, when she was 10. Dohrer graduated from Arizona State University, where she studied art and merchandising. After college,…
Texas jewelry designer Lorena Angulo draws on her Mexican heritage and culture in her work. “My jewelry designs are a representation of who I am and where I come from,” said Angulo. Artist: Born in Mexico, where Angulo grew up traveling and living in various states. Her native country exposed her to different folk art…
For North Carolina metalsmith Erica Stankwytch Bailey, it’s the smallest details that count, whether in nature or in her architectural jewelry deigns. Artist: Born and grew up in Fayetteville, NC, where she knew early on that she wanted to become a maker. Bailey graduated from North Carolina School of the Arts for high school and…
Maryland’s Alice Kresse brings her foundation in printmaking and enthusiasm for non-traditional materials to her modern, fun-to-wear jewelry designs. Artist: Born in Cleveland, OH, Kresse grew up in Ann Arbor, MI. She graduated from Ohio University with a BFA in printmaking and painting. For many years, Kresse worked as an art director, graphic designer and…