I have been designing and creating jewelry for over 25 years and enjoy every minute of the creative process. But making jewelry isn't the first time I remember "making something really pretty!" It started in upstate New York where I was born, in the Finger Lakes region of New York State. I was outside playing in the mud, yep, we know how children love to get messy! I was making mud pies and then I "baked" them until they were done. Well, the water evaporated and the mud became solid, so to me, I had actually accomplished something very worthwhile!
Another memory I have about creating something pretty and magical was when I was in elementary school. The class was given an assignment to copy a picture of a little boy sitting or standing on a dock, holding a fishing pole. I became very intent on getting each line just right. As I sat drawing, in a world only belonging to me, I was abruptly interrupted by the teacher who was standing at my desk. OMGosh! Had I done something wrong? No. The teacher picked up my drawing, held it up to the class for all to see and said, "Students, I would like your attention. Please look at Debbie's drawing, this is how your drawing should look." I don't believe I had ever felt so proud and embarrassed at the same time!
I have other memories as well regarding the creative process and how personally rewarding it can be. I recall my grandmother teaching me how to make those big chunky beaded rings in the 1970's and my aunt teaching me how to decoupage. I remember the art class in college, and taking classes at the major craft stores we all know so well. Over the years, I have not only learned many techniques for creating art is so many glorious forms but I have also taught arts and crafts and jewlery making. Is jewelry making an art, a craft, or both, that's your call. To me, it's both. I have taught my son's teachers, at local gatherings, and at those major chain craft stores.
So, jewelry. It is my life. I live to create and create to live. I always like to say that my "work" is imagination inspired. I try very hard to feel that same feeling as I did after "baking" the mud pie I had made many moons ago. I strive to do the best I am able every day of my life by creating jewelry which others will like as well. I pay attention to the fine details and if something goes awry during the creative process, I start over and over until I get the results I want. I wonder how many times I made that mud pie until it was just right? I wonder how many pies I made? In any case, creating...it's my world!
Thank you for visiting my website, Art Is Me and I look forward to hearing from you!
Deborah
Tele: 724-713-0395
Email: info@artisme.com
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