Metalwork is in my DNA. My dad was a metallurgist and miniature sword maker. His grandfather was a goldsmith in the old country. And before that, we were sword-makers.
My journey with metal began when I attended MassArt, also known as Massachusetts College of Art and Design, in 1971. Silver and the flame were seductive, and exhilarating. Watching the metal change during soldering or annealing fills me with primal joy. When solder flows, it actually is in flux. It is change. Incredible! It is like lava.
Surface decoration and texture are two of my passions. Nature inspires my work: leaves, blossoms, waves, and fabrics. Take a look and see if you can figure out what some of the materials used to emboss are! Embossing is a magical transition. It is compelling and allows me to apply unique custom surface treatments. The recent addition of two techniques, to my repertoire, has been exhilarating. One is Keum Boo. A Korean technique where 24K gold is applied, bonded to my work. Fold forming, is the other. Written about and extensively investigated by Charles Lewton-Brain. This emphasizes the nature, the characteristics of the material. Folding the metal and encouraging form which is inherent in the capacity of the metal. A lot of hammering and annealing.
Brookline, my hometown, is where each piece is fabricated by hand. Hand-crafted jewelry is an expression of the maker. So, my work is whimsical. It is wearable. When you wear it you express your true self, too.
In all processes of creation, fcj is intentional and conscious of impact on our precious environment. I use only 100% recycled tarnish resistant sustainable sterling. It is recycled. We work toward packaging that is environmentally friendly Both are USA sourced.
Vintage and antique Czech & Italian glass beads, & American Glass Artisan beads, some semi-precious and man-made stones are also used.
To see you wearing my handcrafted creations gives me joy. When folx wear my creations it is heartwarming. Sometimes I receive selfies modeling my work. (Shameless hint!)
Custom work & repairs are welcome. Free consultation.
Tools are needed. The animal skull (deer) was collected from a field trip
History
Solo Exhibitions: Goddard House Gallery 2019 Putterham Grille Gallery 2019 Gallery at Wayside Inn 2008 Brookline Public Library 2005 Brookline Public Library 1974
Group Exhibitions: Brookline Public Library "Artisans All" curated by Madeline Fine and including a diverse group of artists 2017-18 Brookline Open Studios 2015-2020 Jamaica Plain Open Studios 2009 - 2012 Brush Gallery, Lowell: Cancer Survivors 2012 SWAN Day, C S C Gallery, Boston, MA 2009 Brookline Art Center: “Attempted Gallery” 2008 Brookline Public Library 2008 MassArt, Arnheim Gallery 2007 Zullo Gallery, Medfield, MA 2001-2015 Danforth Museum, Framingham, MA 1997 Leventhal-Sidman Center, Newton, MA 1995 Newton Arts Center, Newton, MA 1993 Boston Visual Artists Union, Boston, MA 1972
Collections: Private Collection of Diana Coffee 2015 Private Collection of Mary Rogers 2014 Private Collection of Elizabeth Scully 2006 Private Collection of Jane Hoey 2005