The life of an artist is by far the most challenging of any lives I’ve lead on this
earth so far. On good days it is as if I am on a low and fast-moving cloud
streaking past all things. On other days it is like being dragged backwards by
the hood of your sweatshirt, along the ground, through the beaches of South
Padre Island during spring break by a mob of drunk college kids. It is not so
much the ride as it is the potential for disaster along the way that makes it
interesting.
A jeweler is an architect, engineer, welder, framer, visionary and if the work is
good, probably an artist. I design, plan, construct, attach, pound, and finish
every piece you see here. They all started as an idea that came to life through
the manipulation of sheet metal and wire, adding connectors, patinas and
gems along the way. Some of the ideas were accidents, but much like a
building, or a space ship, the finished product must be carefully planned
through the many steps and processes involved to assure each is done in the
proper succession.
Like many artists, the shapes, sizes and design elements of my work
originate in my surroundings - the things I encounter as I live my life pursuing
the goal of finding more meaning in personal adornment. I find it in buildings,
trees, an ice crystal, a flower petal or a dream, a person’s hair, their eyes, the
look on their face or the feeling in their soul. The sudden realization that this
thing, whatever it is, can become a beautiful accompaniment to a human
being is what launches my process and ultimately becomes a piece of art to
wear. I have been designing jewelry for 35 years and have pursued it as my
main vocation for the last seven. A relative newbie on the art fair circuit, I have a
few awards under my belt, and can only hope that as an artist, I will always be
emerging.
Jill Schienle
Wäkenspün Metalwerks
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