Re-defining Art Jewelry

What is art jewelry?  What is fine jewelry?  Can inexpensive jewelry be considered "fine"?  Hmmmmm...There are many different "levels" in any art form.  With jewelry design, the terms are tricky and sometimes prickly.  I once had my work refered to as "costume jewelry" and it pissed me off, because for some reason I associated that those terms with cheap, mass produced jewelry.  I consider my work to be "art jewelry".  That being said, there are all sorts of other catagories--"fine jewelry" being at the top of the heap.  I consider fine jewelry anything made using precious metals and gemstones.  BUT, that doesn't mean there isn't a ton of mass produced, crappy fine jewelry out there--just visit WalMart and BEHOLD...

The reason I bring this up is because my work doesn't exactly fit into any category.  Sometimes I use precious metals, most time I do not.  Sometimes I use fine gemstones, most times I do not.  My goal is to create original, AFFORDABLE art jewelry with whatever materials strike my fancy.  If I make something using sterling or gold, I can assure you it is only because I was able to purchase said sterling or gold SUPER CHEAP.  Affordability is really important to me, probably becuase I have never been able to afford what is considered fine jewelry.  Luckily, I also don't really care for that stuff anyway.  I have always been attracted to the unusual, the pieces that are obviously designed and hand-crafted by an artist thinking outside the conventional jewelry box. 

So, I may use base metals or really inexpensive elements in my designs, but don't call me cheap!  The end result is always a singular design, well-crafted and carefully constructed.  I once was hesitant to use nickel silver or pewter in my work, worrying that it would "cheapen" the finished product.  STUPID!  I encourage everyone to explore working with these materials, and to come up with original designs that bely the inexpensive componants.  Bottom line, I want my work to be worn, to be purchased, to be enjoyed by as many people as possible.  Sure, I can make you something using only sterling silver or fine gold, but the cost (too me) outweighs any design benefit.  Plus, it somehow seems unseemly to be setting fake grass or coyote teeth in 14k gold....just saying...

There are so many innovative, inexpensive design elements out there for the picking that translate into personal, inspirational designs.  I am a mixed media fanatic, and there is no button, photograph or dried leaf safe from my resin-coated fingers, and don't get me started on bone, feathers and fur...It's all in the translation, the way you work with common elements to create something uncommon and beautiful.

So, hit your local Michael's Craft Store and dig through the bead section.  Then hit the scrap book section, then hit the floral department.  Then head for your local hardware store and bring home some copper pipe and a pipe cutter.  You will be amazed at what you can create if you take a big step outside that jewelry box...

These three rings were made using inexpensive elements and componants including base metal ring blanks, copper washers and pipe, etched brass discs, and faux flowers and grasses.