I began “sculpting” found objects and discarded jewelry into upcycled, wearable art when the zipper pull came off of my son’s backpack. Dangling from my fingers, it suggested a funky earring…I twisted and nudged until I was able to attach a few pieces of broken earrings, along with a small suitcase key. Voila – it balanced! I put an earring wire on it and I was hooked!
The fury began: I started twisting wire and re-combining bits and pieces of single earrings, abandoned pendants, zippers, beads, chains, etc. Friends and family gave me their unworn or broken jewelry stashes, and I had plenty of my own. With a background in painting and drawing, I was drawn to the color combinations, textures, and shapes of the different media: wire, base metals, plastic, glass, ceramic, stone.
Creating each piece is a fascinating process that combines impulse, aesthetic judgment, engineering, timing, pure subjectivity, utter doubt, and absolute affirmation. For me, this creative process, no matter how or where it is experienced, is at the heart of finding meaning and purpose. That is why I feel these are sacred symbols: my totems for you, to carry with you on your body as reminders of eternal creativity and re-invention.
Watch the ToT'ems work their magic as they inspire connections and conversation with curious strangers...