Finding My Way ~ Soul Searching Series
Photo Credit — Daniel Krucoff

Available ~ $225 without chain

The stone is Casessite Jasper, purchased from Gary B Wilson at the Denver Gem & Mineral Show last September.  I think I fell in love with Jaspers at that show.  They seem to have such lovely naturescapes….or at least I see nature vistas in them.  This particular stone has some lovely warm rust shades with a nice compliment of muted ambers and soft tans.  The scene I see in this stone is a couple of large trees, bending as if trying to show the right direction.  It evokes a calming sense for me and I feel like I’m finding my way with this one…hence its title.

As each of us grow, working with our respective mediums, don’t you find that our work changes as we are finding our way? Sometimes the growth is slow, other times it’s like skiing down a mountain and it is exhilarating because of that controlled speed.  Well, I hope it is a controlled speed for each of you!  This piece was one of several that I worked on as a group.  I would cut out the basic designs for each and then I had to stop and work on an individual piece, giving it my full attention.  As I completed one piece, that fed an idea for the next in the queue.  Things evolved from piece to piece.  In Peaceful Surroundings, I added Keum Boo and then that confirmed I needed Keum Boo added to this piece too.  For Finding My Way, the Keum Boo at the top is meant to carry the bending shapes of those tree trunks I see in the Casessite Jasper.  I’ve extended the lines from the stone into the setting and the top piece that has the Keum Boo (24kt gold).  The setting is Sterling Silver and I went with a more subtle oxidation this time as I wanted a gentle background for this beautiful stone.

My mentor, Lexi Erickson, reviews my work at my request and recently she has challenged me to take what I do even further.  I love a challenge and I think I have a bit of an internal battle going on with myself to see what I can do to expand my style.  In addition to being a good friend, Lexi is such a great teacher as she knows when a student is ready for that next stretch.  I’m working on it Lexi!  Thank you.  By the way, those of you who live in the Denver area, Lexi is going to teach beginning metalworking at the Highlands Ranch Recreation Center starting in March.  I’d highly recommend investing in yourself and take one of her classes.

A number of you have inquired about these Soul Searching pieces.  As a result, I will now add to my posts about the new pieces, if they are available and their price.  That is why you see the price under the photograph for this one.  The dimensions for Finding My Way are approximately 2″ long and 1 1/2″ at its widest point.

Of course, I think Dan’s photograph of this one has showcased the piece perfectly.  As a matter of fact, his photographs of my work have helped me to be accepted into some upcoming shows and a book publication!  More details on the book in another post. 😉

As always, please feel free to share your thoughts with me.  Your generosity in leaving comments helps me to grow as an artist and I appreciate it.

Until next time, aspire to be more as an artist and a person.