BFA, Tyler School of Art, 1996
Undergraduate Award in Metals
I’m a studio jeweler working in glass, metal, and gemstone, creating one-of-a-kind pieces by hand.
I always knew, even from an early age, that I would be an artist. Crayons, paint, and glue were the foundation of my childhood.
At Tyler School of Art, I was introduced to the metals studio and was instantly hooked. The first time I held a jeweler’s saw, I knew I had found my path.
I am a natural object maker. A sculptor intent on creating pieces that stand the test of time.
I began my career before “carbon footprint” and “climate change” were part of everyday conversation. For over a decade, I incorporated plastics into my work to bring in color. As that global conversation shifted, I began to reconsider my place within our ecosystem and felt compelled to rethink my materials and my process.
In that search, I found my way to glass, a material I have become deeply drawn to for its renewability and its rich, process-driven history. Solid yet fluid in spirit, glass holds a quiet magic, capable of capturing movement as if it were still in motion.
Through years of experimentation, I developed my own approach to cold-working, bringing together glass, jewelry-making, and lapidary techniques. I laminate optical and colored glass, cut it into form, and carve it in the solid using slow, water-cooled tools. I engrave the surface using traditional stone wheel techniques, then selectively polish to create contrast, texture, and movement. The optical top layer acts as a prism, amplifying light and reflection as colors shift and unfold.
Each setting is hand-fabricated in sterling silver. Glass, metal, and stone are brought together in a kind of conversation, each material contributing to the movement, balance, and depth of the piece. The glass and gemstones are carefully set, and every finished piece is signed and copyrighted.
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2024
1st Place, Saint Louis Art Fair
Juror's Award, Main Street Art Festival
2023
NJ State Council on the Arts Fellowship
2nd Place (overall) Ann Arbor Summer Art Fair
Judges Choice Award, Mount Gretna Outdoor Art Show
2nd Place, Saint Louis Art Fair
2019
3rd Place (overall), Bethesda Row Arts Festival
Award of Merit, Central PA Arts Festival
2018
Booth of Distinction, Central PA Arts Festival
Juror's Award, Boardwalk Art Show
2nd Place (overall), Broad Ripple Art Festival
2017
Best In Show, Boardwalk Art Show
Best In Category (Jewelry), Bethesda Row Arts Festival
2016
Sand Dollar Award, Boardwalk Art Festival
2009-2015 Transition Years (I stopped working with Plastics)
2006
Award of Excellence, Webster Arts Fair
Juror's Award, Main Street Art Festival
2004
Sand Dollar Award, Boardwalk Art Festival
Award of Excellence, Highland Park Fine Craft Festival
2002
2nd Place, Metal Category, Winterpark Art Festival
Merit Award, Boardwalk Art Show
2001
Best in Craft, Artscape Baltimore
2000
Best in 3D Mixed Media, Arts, Beats, and Eats
Merit Award, Bethesda Row Arts Festival
Sand Dollar Award, Boardwalk Art Show
1999
Merit Award, New Hope Outdoor Art Festival
1998
Merit Award, Washington Square Outdoor Art Festival
Merit Award, Penn’s Landing Art Festival
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American Craft Council Shows (2016- 2001)
American Craft Exposition (2015, 2003)
Cherry Creek Arts Festival (2024, 2014, 2013, 2008, 2007, 2002-2005)
Coconut Grove Arts Festival (2007, 2006, 2002, 2001, 2000)
Longs Park Art & Craft Festival (2024, 2022, 2021, 2015, 2011, 2006-2009)
Main Street Fort Worth Art Festival (2025, 2024, 2022, 2019, 2016, 2014, 2011, 2009, 2008, 2006)
New Orleans Jazz Festival (2011, 2004)
Northern Virginia Fine Arts Festival (2025, 2024, 2023, 2012, 2011, 2006, 2001, 2000)
Palm Beach Fine Craft Show (2022-2026, 2019, 2018, 2008-2014, 2005, 2004)
Philadelphia Museum of Art Craft Show (2021-2025, 2019, 2017, 2016, 2003)
Plaza Art Fair (2025, 2012, 2008, 2002)
Saint Louis Art Fair (2025, 2024, 2023, 2021, 2012, 2010, 2007, 2005, 2004, 2003)
Sausalito Art Festival (2019, 2002)
Smithsonian Crafts Show (2023, 2007, 2005, 2001)
Washington Craft Show (2014- 2001)
Winterpark Sidewalk Art Fair (2022, 2017, 2004, 2003, 2001
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The Art of Jewelry: Plastics & Resin by Debra Adelson
Forget gold and silver - the hottest materials in jewelry-making are plastic and resin! And this exciting entry in the new "Art of Jewelry" series is an inspirational treat that introduces the major techniques, provides insights from contemporary artists and showcases an array of eye-opening work. Learn all the basics on "hard" plastics, from sawing and drilling to joining, constructing and laminating. Get the lowdown on resin, including mixing, curing, adding inclusions, finishing and more. Easy-to-follow how-to photographic demonstrations clarify key steps - and best of all, some of the premiere innovators in the field have created these 22 amazing projects, from the dramatic Turbine Bangle and funky freeform ring, to an exotic necklace made of straws.
ISBN 1579908314
Pages: 128
Publisher: Lark Books (NC)
Published: 2008
Language: English
Alibris: ID15408922221