m:  "Carol, what are you doing?"

Me, at age 5:  "Makin'."   

And I've been "makin' " ever since.  As far back as I can remember, I was always making something.  Whether it was a "fort" out of seaweed at my Lake Ontario childhood home, or stained glass or soap in later years, I've always felt the need to create with my heart and hands.

My stained glass work evolved into fusing glass in the kiln, using carefully selected pieces of glass.  I often incorporate dichroic glass in my work, which is glass with an extremely thin layer of metallic oxides, that has the unique ability to transmit and reflect different colors.

I also enjoy creating lampwork glass beads with a torch,  where I take a rod of glass and heat it to the molten state, then carefully wrap the flowing glass around a steel mandrel. I find glass bead making to be very mesmerizing. 

Another passion of mine is sculpting jewelry with metal clay.  I love the freedom of manipulating clay and firing it in my kiln to create pure silver jewelry.  I also enjoy working with gemstones and silver sheet or wire, including chainmaille pieces.   Creating one of a kind jewelry that holds a special meaning for the wearer, brings me great satisfaction.

Some of the amazing artists that I had the pleasure of learning from included  Chris Irick  and Lisa Oristian  during my metalsmithing classes at Munson Williams Proctor Arts Institute. I took my first metal clay and lampworking workshops from Christel Hoffmann, and learned to fuse glass from Amber Blanding. I traveled to Vermont take an amazing workshop in Keum Boo, from  Celie Fago.  (Keum Boo is an ancient Asian technique where precious metals, such as pure silver and gold, are bonded by the application of heat and burnishing.)  I learned about wire wrapping silver in Connie Fox's workshop.  Another memorable experience was the workshop I had the honor of taking in Minneapolis by Gordon Uyehara from Honolulu, who taught me many tips and techniques when fabricating with metal clay.  And many thanks to DeeAnn vonHunke, for her inspiration and tips.  I feel so fortunate to have had the opportunity to study with such talented artists! 

My college education was in Nursing, and my years as an ER nurse only reinforced my understanding of how precious and fragile life is, and the need to "stop and smell the roses" (or pine needles!)  I am blessed with wonderful friends and family, and my dogs are a constant source of joy.  

My work has been influenced by my years growing up on the shores of Lake Ontario, in Oswego, NY, and spending many happy summers in the Adirondacks (Pilot Knob, Lake George, and Speculator).  The lakes, forests and mountains have had a profound effect on me and I strive to bring their influence into my jewelry, through colors, textures and symbolism.  Jewelry making has been such a creative outlet for me and I have met so many talented and generous people while expanding my craft.  I feel strongly that people should follow their passions and dreams, and I sincerely hope that my work will inspire you to pursue your passion, as well.

Please contact me at CJ@GentleSwanStudio.com  for further info about my work, including availability of pieces for purchase.   I currently ship in the USA, and accept Paypal, money orders, MC and Visa.