Canadian Artist
Island Rain from Wendy Pierson
I began creating jewellery in 1990, but it would be 11 years before I discovered glass, with it's endless possibilities and quiet allure. For me it has become the perfect medium; unpredictable and always challenging, giving me the freedom to create new and ever changing pieces.
I first studied lampworking on the big island of Hawai'i. A few months later, and after more than 10 years of living overseas and in Hawai'i, I packed up my kids, cats, dog, torch and kiln , and we moved to Sidney, British Columbia on Vancouver Island, CANADA.
I have often been asked whether I consider myself a glass artist or a jeweller . I took some time to think about it, and soon it was very clear that both were equally important aspects of my work. In the jewellery I create, I often think the merit of the glass shows through, with beads that are intricate and ornate. At other times the design of the piece takes over, using simpler beads but still achieving jewellery that is full of interesting details thoughtfully composed.
Influences of the tropics and Southeast Asia can be seen in my work, remembering the colors, textures and uniqueness of other cultures and places. Now, as I continue to make my home on Canada's west coast, I am able to add a new dimension to my life and art.
At the end of the day, my wish is always to create unique pieces of jewellery. . . wanting the perfect balance between glass and wearable art.
Lampworked Glass Jewellery
With the techcique known as 'lampworking', each bead is created individually by the artist. Using glass rods and a torch, at a temperature of about 1,700 degrees Fahrenheit (F), the artist heats the glass rod tip so it is softened until molten. It is then wrapped around a steel rod adding layer upon layer to achieve the desired size.
Decorative and contrasting patterns of colour are then applied on each bead with finer glass rods called 'stringers'. Once each bead is completed, it is placed in a kiln for an optimum time at about 1,000 degrees F.
Finally, the beads are allowed to cool slowly - a process known as 'annealing' which gives lasting strength and durability to each bead.
They are then strung by the artist to create her unique and amazing jewellery. Cleaning all your silver jewellery may be accomplished easily by using a silver polishing cloth*.
Cleaning cloths available at Artina's Hand Crafted Canadian Jewellery are:
- Sunshine Polishing Cloth (reusable - not to be laundered)
- Connoisseurs Jewellery Wipes (dry, pop-up wipes - disposable)