Since graduating from the first Jewellery and Metals class at Georgian College in Barrie 25 years ago, I have worked full time as a studio designer and goldsmith. My work has been seen in film and television and has received several local and international awards, most notably a Diamonds International Award in 1992. In the summer of 2013 I relocated my home and studio from Alliston to Stratford. My current practice includes one-of-a kind work, custom design, limited edition and production and is exhibited through juried competitions and shows, craft galleries throughout Ontario, my website and my own studio.

Much of my work explores contrasts in colour and texture: smooth stone and polished metal set off by fused or roller printed textures; the play of colour in unique stone inlays; precious gems and metals paired with rough minerals or broken pottery shards; and contemporary designs that have the feel of ancient artifacts.  I am one of the few metal artists in the country extensively using stone inlay in my work and I constantly experiment to find unexpected and non-traditional ways of incorporating stone into jewellery pieces.  I love to play with the surprise of asymmetrical designs and unexpected material combinations.

I believe there is still a place for beautiful, well-made objects and that these objects enrich our lives.A piece of jewellery acquires meaning over time as it develops associations with the stories of our lives and these acquired meanings are as important for me as the artist’s original concepts.

Portrait by Linda Jennetti