I have been an artist since the moment I was born. I have drawn, painted, cooked, sewn, beaded, etc. since the time I could first hold more than a baby bottle in my tiny fingers. I must admit, I come by it naturally... my mother is a very talented artist and to this day she is one of my biggest inspirations. I have studied and worked in all different media and still find it hard to choose a favorite. I was the kid who really *did* take basket weaving in college -yes, really! So what if basket weaving is the butt of a million cultural jokes! :)

For me, creative work is not a linear process. Sometimes I have a vision from the beginning and other times I experiment as I develop a piece. It's very important to me that my work reflects the organic process of how it developed. I don't want to be so focused on the final product that it ends up looking contrived or overly 'manufactured'. To me, that is what machines are for. I think it is beautiful for the hand of an artist to be seen in her work.

No two pieces of mine are ever exactly the same. I like for the silver to take its own form. I will guide it into shapes that I want, but I don't force it. I let the final shape / texture / thickness / look come from the process of how the whole piece was made... how the silver heated up and cooled down, how the hammer struck the surface, how the file shaped the edges, etc. All the marks of the artist's tools become evidence of the creative process and to me that is where the soul of each piece comes from.

I am proud to have had a shop here on Etsy since late 2008. Etsy has enabled me to make my dreams come true. I work from my home studio where I can be with my animals, I make beautiful art all day long, AND I get to "meet" the incredible people who come to my online shop. I never would have imagined that I could come in contact with so many wonderful customers through a little online jewelry store. I consider many of you dear friends and could not be more honored that each and every one of you has taken the time to browse my work and ultimately wear my jewelry.

I guess I should mention... I am a one woman show! Lazarus Designs are all my creations, my designs, my ideas. I make nearly everything and I carefully hand select anything I don't make by hand (for example, gemstones, fine gauge chain, lobster claw clasps, etc.). I designed my logo, I print all the labels, pack and mail all the boxes, read and answer every email... there is not a facet of my business that is not handled completely by me. It can be tiring, but it is very rewarding and I wouldn't trade it for anything.

Thank you from the bottom of my heart for your on-going support! Namaste ❤ Lisa