Jewelry Artists

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Maries Joseph

Design Idea C246

Peacock Crystal Mania
Fire Mountain Gems and Beads' Jewelry-Making Contest 2011 featuring Swarovski crystal
Finalist

 Meet the Designer-Artist


Where do you live?
Fresno, California

Describe your artistic style.
I first imagine the design, then choose the colors and picture it in my mind several times with different component materials before actually making it. I almost never start my project with the drawing of a design; instead, I go through a mental photo session of the finished jewelry in different color and material combinations on different outfits. It is all about a certain balance between design, color selection and combination of the component materials used to make it.

What inspires you as a designer-artist?
Jewelry designing in my opinion is a unique art form where one gets to combine a variety of art elements namely, colors, shapes, textures, different component materials be it metals, gemstones, crystals, pearls, glass etc. to create the three dimensional finished product. It gives me an immense sense of joy and satisfaction when I witness an admirer making a mental connection to my creations.

What materials do you most enjoy working with?
I like experimenting with all materials, metals, metal clay, gemstones, crystals, pearls and a variety of beads. My favorite metal is silver. I love beading, metal smithing, metal clay, and wire wrapping. I particularly love making jewelry in copper, brass and gemstone combinations.

What is the name of the piece you submitted with your success story?
Peacock Crystal Mania

What inspired this design?
I was aiming for a design that would represent beauty, elegance, and glamour fitting for a special occasion. The inspiration also comes from the fact that I was actively seeking an 'Indo-Western fusion look' in my design to suit traditional Indian costumes as well as Indo-Western costumes. To be more specific, I actually designed this piece to wear with an Indian costume I wore for a family wedding function.

How did it come together?
As I mentioned earlier, I mentally visualized the design, then selected colors, materials and made sure it matched the outfit I had in mind. Although this piece is made in peacock colors, the same design will look stunning in other analogous color schemes like lilac/purple, blue/green and pink/red combinations to match similar color or complementary color outfits.

Share Your Background


When and how did you begin making jewelry/beading?
I always enjoyed beading and small projects from childhood. Serious jewelry making only since 2 years.

Who introduced you to beading?
Growing up in India, I was always fascinated by colors, village handicrafts, jewelry and art in general from a young age. My liking to beads and jewelry making must have been a natural progression from this. The colors, shapes, materials, different textures and the potential for endless combinations of creativity could have been the attraction.

Do you have an artistic background?
I could say yes. From a young age I have been doing craft projects like drawing, painting, wood sculpture, paper maché projects and anything and everything I could get my hands on. My parents, especially my mother, always encouraged the little artist in me. I have won several school/district level prizes while in school for painting and drawing. Then, from the time I joined medical school, till a couple of years ago, priorities changed and art took a backseat in my life. Almost 2 years ago, I went through a stage in life when I realized that it is time to resurrect my God given talents and my early life's passions. In a way, I was searching for my roots. This led to a rediscovery and I was able to bring art back to my life. I am very grateful for the experiences that led to this. In addition to jewelry making, I have also started painting mainly in acrylic and occasionally in oil, in addition to still continuing my full time job as a pediatrician.

How did you discover Fire Mountain Gems and Beads®?
Online shopping for beads.

What other hobbies do you have?
Painting.

Beading Success


What role does jewelry-making play in your life?
It is my hobby and work after work almost daily. It gives me great relaxation. It also keeps my brain cells active by continuous use of imagination and creativity.

If you used jewelry-making as a way to bring in income, how are you selling yourself and your jewelry?
I have a website which I do not spend much time on. I have not attended craft fairs or market. However, I have a small art studio in downtown where I exhibit my jewelry and artwork. Art lovers of Fresno visit the studio on the FRESNO ART HOP day that falls on the first Thursday of each month. I sell some jewelry and paintings there.

Any advice for aspiring jewelry-artists?
Use your innate imagination, creativity, learn by practice and experimenting. Make mistakes to learn and perfect your art. Watch and learn from free online tutorials and videos. Finally, be bold and wear the jewelry you make.