Artist Kathleen Krucoff presents a collection of metal and stone jewelry, skillfully designed and made by hand. See more of her work by visiting her website.
“Tranquil Moments Series: Pendant” Chinese writing stone with faceted white topaz, set in 18Kt gold
My work encompasses what I call organic geometry. I am drawn to a variety of stone shapes: circles, triangles, squares, rectangles, and even non-symmetrical. Utilizing those forms, I like to create balance and tension that resolves into calm and peace. This is the methodology I employ in one of my series, Tranquil Moments.
“Tranquil Moments Series: Bracelet” turquoise, textured sterling, flush set faceted gems
It is important to me to continue to explore what I can do with metal to channel my creativity. One of my beliefs is that if I am not making mistakes, I’m not learning. I find that working with metal provides almost unlimited possibilities to express myself. I consider metal to be my canvas.
“Tranquil Moments Series: Earrings” textured sterling squares with Mokume Gane circles
When I begin working on a design, I look to see where the process will take me. I used to painstakingly draw how I wanted a piece to look based on the stones I selected. Now I like to pull a variety of stones and see what catches my eye.
“Tranquil Moments Series: Ring” purple Mohave turquoise, flush set 2mm faceted blue topaz gem
I find that freeflow approach gives me an amazing amount of freedom as I create. Using precious and semi-precious gemstones in my creations, I will mix metals like silver, gold, and Mokume-Gane to produce unique art forms to be worn.
“Tranquil Moments Series: Pendant” turquoise with black spinel faceted gem
Assessing the combination of the stones and metals I have selected, I envision where the flow is and start working from there. Many times, the work changes course. I’m receptive to new directions.
“Tranquil Moments Series: Earrings” textured sterling, center Mokume Gane.
I recognize that what I do doesn’t appeal to everyone. I’m okay with that. My goal with creating art jewelry pieces is to fabricate something that is unusual. Part of why I started making jewelry was to create things that weren’t your ordinary, run of the mill type of personal adornments.
“Tranquil Moments Series: Ring” turquoise and topaz set in 18kt gold
While highly polished jewelry is beautiful, that isn’t what I do. I’m attracted to textures, so you will see I use a lot of that in my pieces. Incorporating organic looks into the metal surface is important to me. For example, I love the look of tree bark, the veins in leaves, or the rough undulations in the surface of rocks. I try to use those types of textures or others that blend with my designs.
Artist Kathleen Krucoff working in her studio with a torch
My philosophy is to constantly learn and grow as an artist. Practice with the goal of mastery, which may never be attained, yet it is a worthy pursuit.
Kathleen Krucoff invites you to follow on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn and X.
Photo credit: Daniel Krucoff
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