Current Members
Jowita Allan
Jowita Allen’s work focuses on non-biodegradable waste as her main base material. She uses PET plastic from discarded bottles and containers, which combined with precious metals transform into playful, wearable sculptures. her work expresses the individuality, unique voice and point of view of modern society and provides the opportunity to reconsider the influence that the abundance of single-use plastics creates for ourselves and our environment.
www.jowitaallen.com
jowitaallen@gmail.com
NORA FISCHER
Having spent 25 years designing interiors and furniture for large corporations Nora Fischer then turned to metalsmithing and jewelry. She considers jewelry to be the personal version of furniture. Playing on positive and negative spaces and geometry, Nora is inspired by her architectural background. Most of her pieces incorporate triangles, the simplest and purest of geometric forms, often thought to symbolize creation. In turning from interiors to adorning the body, Nora has found her passion at the jeweler’s bench. Nora is a member of the Washington Guild of Goldsmiths and the Society of North American Goldsmiths and is grateful to be able to share a studio with two other fabulous metalsmiths.
NORAFISCHERDESIGNS.COM
info@norafischerdesigns.com
Carol Oshinsky
Texture and the shapes created by edges that don’t quite meet fascinate me. Most of my work reflects this interest. My textures are created by hammering metal into rocks or pitted chunks of iron, through fusion of bits and pieces of silver and gold, by surface embellishment using hammers, gravers and burs. The landscape of the Northern Berkshires is the inspiration for most of my pieces. Although I do not translate literally what I see in the mountains and fields, with a little imagination my brooches become framed paintings in metal and gems that speak of the ever-changing hills of a most beautiful part of New England.
koshinsky@yahoo.com
Peggy Shiffrin
I make jewelry because it’s the most fun thing I can imagine doing. I pursue design ideas and techniques that appeal to me, to create jewelry that I personally want to wear. I work in gold, silver, copper, and brass. Although I am fascinated by discovering what these metals, without embellishment, can become, I often do incorporate texturing and finishing techniques using traditional patinas as well as non-traditional decorative finishes with materials like colored pencil and paint. I’m equally inspired by both natural organic forms and rhythmic geometric forms.
www.peggyshiffrin.com
peggyshiffrin@gmail.com
Denise temofeew
Metalsmithing challenges me in so many ways. I’ve been creating jewelry pieces, small dishes and vignettes for almost tow decades, but I find that there are always new skills to learn, new techniques to discover and new creative paths to follow. What I enjoy most is talking to people who love metalwork and adornment, then finding a way to tap into what they enfision so I can collaborate with them to fabricate something they’ll treasure throughout their lives.
denisetemofeew@att.net
Sherry Terao
My work with metals and natural gemstones create organic, sculptural and scenic pieces with movement and color-change characteristics. Varying metal surface textures achieved through reticulation, stamping, roll printing, kumboo and various patinas add mystery and interest to my pieces. Each piece tells a story. Only when people encountering my work are touched with delight, whimsy, pleasure, self-motivation and hope for the future is my artistic goal realized. Sharing positive creativity is my passion. It is my belief that every person has, at their core, a fabulous gem to discover and reveal. Once they do, they recognize the gems in others. Compassion blossoms and prosperity blooms.
sherry-terao.com
Estelle vernon
Estelle’s work is influenced by nature and the unique textures she’s captured in her photographs while traveling. Through etching, texturing, and keum boo, or incorporating pearls and gemstones, Estelle createselegant, modern pieces that are distinctive and versatile. “My process is very detail-oriented and maybe even a bit obsessive. Excellent craftsmanship is non-negotiable for me.
I want the finished piece to be as perfect as I can make it.”
www.estellevernon.com
evernon@estellevernon.com