Artist's Statement... Jewelry Designer - Jennifer Dewey
With a B.A. in Communications from Ripon College in Wisconsin, my education initially took me to Chicago... where I pursued a career in p.r., non-profit fundraising and event planning. On a vacation to New Orleans, for Jazz Fest and a reunion of friends, I stepped out of the taxi and was immediately enamored... the architecture, wrought iron balconies and music in the air. The New Orleans mystique called me back in 1992 and this is where I discovered my passion for metalsmithing. Over the years, I have been fortunate to apprentice and/or study under artists Thomas Mann, Margo Manning, Dana Sherman, Merry Pierce Lowrey, Juan Laredo, Stella Dottir and many others... while my own designs evolve.
My mother continues to be my greatest influence... infusing me with her love of nature, flora, gems, Native American art and studio jewelry. While alive, she included me in gem buying excursions and the designing of her personal jewelry. Looking back, it seems that most of my childhood craft projects evolved into baubles and rings... starting with the, colorfully coated, copper telephone wires from my father's workshop.
Today I live and work in beautiful South Western Colorado, where I continue to develop my metalsmithing skills and have worked with and studied under several jewelry designers and metalsmiths: Harold O'Connor, Beau Staley, Robert Devoe Peter, and others.
Organic form, multi-cultural motifs and symbolism seem to be the common thread in my jewelry designs. It's my hope to create art pieces which inspire and empower... talismans for planetary healing and wearable art which communicates messages of unity, preservation of nature, harmony and peace. Working with gemstones, pearls, gold, platinum & sterling... I've been awarded with an Alpha Award by Fashion Group International for my unique sterling Harmony Rosette Baby Rattle with Pearls. I make a point of promoting and using ethically sourced gemstones, as well as reclaimed metals, in hopes of reducing the burden of mining upon our planet.
In addition to operating an online boutique, http://www.jennsjewels.com/, I've worked as the in-house jeweler for Dolce Jewels in Telluride - as well as directing various art galleries. I am now selling my work through select boutiques and galleries, while providing my community with repair and custom jewelry design services. I've been fortunate to design custom jewelry for brides, galleries, International clients, non-profit fundraising events and corporate events. Most recently... a belt buckle for the Telluride AIDS Benefit Fashion Show auction, 2008 & 2009. Through donations of my jewelry, to non-profit fundraising efforts, I'm able to give greater purpose to my art... where it becomes a necessity, rather than a luxury.
