Elizabeth Ann Wechlo Meet the Designer-Artist

I grew up in the beautiful wine country of Northern California—Santa Rosa—where I attended Santa Rosa Junior College and studied painting, art, and photography. My main interest was photography, which I pursued for years, developing and printing my own 35mm film. During those college years, I happened upon a career as a dental laboratory technician, where I was able to use my artistic background and further hone my skills as an artist.

In my work as a technician, I discovered I had a talent for sculpting and developed it over the next 38 years, while also learning new skills such as metalsmithing and lost-wax casting. After meeting my future husband in college and starting a family, I taught him the trade and we opened our own dental laboratory. We relocated to Southern Oregon in 1987, where our business thrived until we retired in 2004.

It wasn’t until I retired that I felt free to pursue my art on a full-time basis. My world opened up. I’ve written and published two novels and illustrated two books. I’ve designed art rubber stamps and ran a business called Anzart: An Odyssey in Rubber Stamps. Then I discovered polymer clay—sculpted dolls became a passion until I took metalsmithing classes for three years with Bobby Blakely at Rogue Community College. From there, I continued to grow my interests and skills in jewelry making.

What inspires you as a design artist?

Nature is God’s art—my muse. I am obsessed with nature’s most fascinating subject: trees. When my sister and I were kids, we traveled all over the country with our parents. Seeing America firsthand in all its glory, I feasted my eyes and heart on the trees. They spoke to me. I imagined them as the nerve endings of the earth, absorbing all the emotions of the world. To this day, trees are sacred to me.

I also draw inspiration from other artists, past and present. Whether it’s sculpture, jewelry, or painting, if a piece calls to me, I feel compelled to create. Picasso once said, “Art is a lie that makes us realize truth.” Sometimes when I look at a vibrant sunset or a lone, bare tree, I am beckoned to create a lie so I can tell my truth (or its truth).

What medium do you work with mostly?

Currently, I work primarily with copper wire and beads to create my beloved trees and Tree of Life sun catchers.

Why did you become enchanted with this style of jewelry making/crafting?

The first time I saw a sculpted wire tree, I was in awe. I knew I had to learn how to make them. While studying metalsmithing at Rogue Community College, I took private classes in wire wrapping, but no one taught the craft of creating trees. Earlier this year (2025), I searched YouTube—and voilà! There were tutorials. I think I’ve watched every single one.

Do you sell your designs? If yes, please list the URL.

In the past, my sculpted dolls were featured at The Rogue Gallery in Medford, and my jewelry, wire-wrapped jewelry, and dolls were sold at The Creator’s Gallery in Jacksonville. Currently, I sell my jewelry, Tree of Life sun catchers, and trees through word of mouth. I am in the process of setting up an Etsy shop and a website.

What are the names of the pieces you are submitting to be included in your Success Story?

Earthbound Harmony, Golden Light, Décor Tree and Green Crystal Suncatcher

What inspired this design? How did it come together?

I started with a basic vision, as I usually do. Autumn had just transformed the trees outside into masterpieces of gold, red, yellow, and brown. I envisioned a hooped sun catcher in those colors—but with two trees. I had never seen anyone do that before. I wasn’t sure how it would turn out, but I had a clear image in my mind. At some point, I let the wire and beads guide me, telling me where they wanted to go. It became a joint effort—give and take.

I make my creations with my hands, but the art flows from my heart.