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Field of Light at Sensario by Bruce Munro

Why not? One can be inspired by anything. I have a fascination with beaches as they're different wherever your toes touch down. It can be rocky or soft as powder. It can be pink, white, tan, black or all the colors of the rainbow. It can be just big ole rocks or tiny pebbles and shells. I have a collection of many of the beaches I've traveled in my life and store them in glass bottles. I wanted to share that with you, but they have not yet been unpacked. Another post some day I guess.

While creating the series of statement necklaces inspired by Japanese fishing floats I started setting aside some lampwork and other interesting beads to use in earrings. My usual rule of thumb when wearing statement jewelry is to have one piece be the focal and if you wear other jewelry have them play supporting roles. In other words, if you wear a necklace that is telling a significant story wear earrings that don't steal the narrative and visa versa.

I learned a lot by creating in a series rather than one-offs. By focusing on one idea or element I was able to broaden my thought, deepen my meaning, and curate a collection.

My method of creating has been an idea pops in my head that I can't resist and I focus on creating the best version of that idea into a piece of jewelry. Once completed I usually feel completely satisfied and jump to the next idea I've been sitting on. I never worried about my art being recognizable as mine, as I figured over time my body of work would have to look like it came from me. In other words, someone would see a necklace of mine and think: I know that's Janet's. I asked that question once and was assured by several people that was so. :-)