Honestly Woman Jan - March, 2017 | Page 18

My jewellery informs my life and guides me to the next adventure . My job is to allow the pieces to tell their unique story . I ’ m a steward of sorts and can ’ t think of a better role . There ’ s nothing I ’ d rather be doing . I am so blessed .

I have lived in East Africa , England , Australia and America , and have developed relationships all over the world while experiencing different cultures . I absorb the colours , textures , patterns , rhythms and aesthetics of each and through that process of discovery , I have come to embrace the rich histories and beauties of ethnic expression .
I take the vibrancy of each piece , infuse it with experience and only then does the finished piece finds its rightful home , not the other way around .
There are times I find an absolutely fascinating object that doesn ’ t seem to go with anything and that ’ s where patience comes into play . It ’ s often years later that the perfect complement arrives to complete something totally unique and rich with character . Another life lesson is reinforced : rarely does anything happen in my life that is just random chance .
The decision to make jewellery came long before it sustained me financially . It started with a pair of pliers in my backpack as I traveled the world . Along with my fascination with the expression of beauty in all mediums , that simple tool guided my intention to honor that beauty in every piece of jewellery I design .
With very little in the way of material possessions , I moved to the States in 1990 from Australia to begin a new life . In much the same way , I do this in my jewellery making by giving forgotten and recycled materials a new beginning .
Nothing is ever truly lost , just transformed .
I find the creation of jewellery a very spiritual and therapeutic process . The materials share their spirit with me and I invest some of my own into each piece .
Is there any connection between then and now ? My previous counseling practice prepared me for being out in the world . I create safe places for people to reveal themselves - the
18 HONESTLY WOMAN MAGAZINE - SUBSCRIBE NOW