World Artisan Gems

Name: Jennifer Smith-Righter  

Website Link: www.wearablebydesign.etsy.com

Where are you located?  San Francisco Bay Area

Tell us a bit about yourself: I was formally educated in art and architecture in San Francisco. I’ve been working exclusively in jewelry for about 6 years, but I have a variety of interests, including history and anthropology. I’m currently in the research mode for writing a book about the cultural and historical aspects of adornment and moving that forward to modern materials and techniques.

Harley Chic

When and why did you begin creating your jewelry/art?  I took a jewelry class as an elective in College and loved it.  I went back to it as a first love.

What do you make?  One of the first pieces I made was a Tiara for my daughters wedding that converted to be worn as a necklace.

What materials and methods do you use?  I work primarily in silver metal clay, although I also incorporate traditional fabricating techniques into my work.  I also love to add a bit of sparkle by adding stones.

Delicate

Where do your design inspirations come from? I love little gears and little moving parts. I love hardware stores and machines. So I’m often making jewelry that takes something mundane and shows it’s hidden beauty. I also love natural forms — twigs, blossoms, seed pods, etc. I’m very inspired by the things I see on my daily walks.

What is your best working environment/where is your studio?  I have a studio in my home.  My commute is a breeze!

Where can your products be seen?  My most current work is on my Etsy website. My other (somewhat neglected and in need of a revamp) website is where you can see my broader portfolio.

Upcoming events: Valentines Virtual Trunk Show on Etsy — January 29, 2009 at 7:00 pm EST or 4pm PST

Magazine articles or press: Art Jewelry Magazine Website    and   Art Jewelry Magazine November Issue:  Arts and Crafts Necklace

Who are you a fan of?  Charles Lewton-Brain and Alan Revere are the first two that come to mind, but there are many, many peoples work whom I admire.

Tell us a little about one of your favorite creations: One of my favorite necklaces is “Blossoms.”  The blossoms are hand sculpted individually in Fine Silver. They are graduated in size and culminate in a unique double blossomed clasp. The largest blossom measures approximately one inch in diameter and the smallest is approximately one half an inch. The blossoms are connected from behind to create a seamless flow of petals that hug just at the base of the neck. This necklace was the Winner of the Japan Association for Leisure & Culture Development Award in 2008 for the North American Design Competition.

Blossoms

Anything else you wish to add?  I appreciate the opportunity to chat with you!  Thanks for including me on your website.