ABOUT THE ARTIST
Art is a continuous, developing process for me. Every time I encounter, or complete, another piece of artwork, I have a chance to broaden my thoughts and approach to my work. Each piece is an experiment, an attempt to look at things a bit differently than the time before.
I've immersed myself in the visual arts since an early age, beginning with classes in oil painting. I loved the freedom it allowed me. Art slowly became a creative outlet for my emotions, and a necessity in my life. I have explored various media including printmaking, charcoal and oil pastels, and handmade pottery. Central to this offering, however, is my abiding interest in the design and creation of handcrafted jewelry.
I began working in metals 24 years ago and it has been my primary medium since that time. My work in jewelry allows me to bring my long-term interest in organic forms to a three-dimensional level. My jewelry is inspired by my experience of the natural world around me. I explore shapes, textures, patterns and surfaces found in the environment and also sometimes in biological structures at the microscopic level. I work primarily in fine and sterling silver, using a variety of stones, most often in their original form.
River rocks and natural stones have been of particular interest to me, with the irregular contours of their forms and their surfaces often inspiring my designs. Sometimes, arrangements found in natural environments inspire textures and patterns in, and compositions of, my pieces. The shapes of bones and unique patterns of bone interiors have also inspired some of my pierced designs. Abstract designs, patterns and geometric shapes also interest me, and working in metal gives me an outlet to give shape to my ideas. I feel I can be more playful in my jewelry pieces; each is a small work of personal art. I enjoy creating one-of-a-kind, contemporary designs that have strong contrasts. My pieces are not meant to be delicate; they are intended to make a dramatic statement for the wearer.
I am always searching for new opportunities to grow artistically. I enjoy exploring various materials and processes in my work, such as etching, Precious Metal Clay (PMC), resin, plastic, acrylic sheet and steel mesh. These materials allow me to take my love of organic forms and textures to another level. Some works have included textures in paper and textiles as my inspiration. Recent explorations have included incorporating color through torch and kiln fired enameling. Please visit my site often to see what new works I have created!
Adrienne is a Bucks County, PA native. She received her B.A. in Fine Arts from Loyola College in Maryland and her Art Education certification from Moore College of Art and Design in Philadelphia, PA. She has her Masters in Education with a Major in Art from Tyler School of Art in Philadelphia. She is a Juried Master Craftsmen of the Pennsylvania Guild of Craftsmen and the Bucks County Guild of Craftsmen. She is a member of the American Craft Council Online Artists Directory. She has taught jewelry and metalsmithing at the Wayne Art Center and has won awards for her work, including Interweave's 2022 Jewelry Arts Awards: Tucson Show Guide Cover Competition.