Photo by P.Bianchi

Being surrounded by children as a children's book illustrator for so many years has shown me the endless possibilities of an enthusiastic mind, thecreativity of chaos, the unmitigated joy of an imagination gone w i d e. It has inspired me to embrace new venues for expression, jewelry being the latest. John F. Kennedy said, "Conformity is the jailer of freedom and the enemy of growth." I say, "Amen and Hallelujah!"

About my jewelry: it's uptown meets downtown and gets a little bit naughty. Balinese engraved silver whispers sweet nothings to vintage glass. Fancy faceted garnet sidles up to a bold ring of African metal. Citrine flirts shamelessly with pressed glass from China. Young delica makes come-hither eyes at an elder Italian beach stone (heart-shaped!)—oooo-la-la!! An old, beat-up, hand-painted Swedish wooden bead is placed next to smoky topaz—watch her sparkle in a hot haze of appreciation as he warms to a glow and becomes ooh, so debonair!

Many of these characters are one-of-a-kind antiques. A necklace or bracelet might be centered around an Indian silver bridal charm or handmade blown bead; a pair of earrings might sport a capricious carnelian coyly whistling Dixie to a Venus on the half shell metal charm or a prim pearl, basks in the glow of a hunk of Russian silver. Occasionally there will be a series based on one design, but most pieces are unique. Each is individually crafted and speaks with its own personality, as reflected in its title. A few examples:

"The only real thing I regret about my past is the length of it. If I had to live life again I'd make the same mistake only sooner." (Tallulah Bankhead)

"Dear Lord, Please let me prove that winning the lottery won't spoil me." (Anonymous)

or my personal favorite:

"Life shrinks or expands in proportion to one's courage." (Anais Nin)

You are what you eat.
You are what you think.
You are what you wear,
so
Grin And Wear It!!

With Big Joy,