Dragon

When I was little, I wanted to be a dragon: brave, strong and wise. I imagined my enormous and beautiful body soaring through the sky, plunging into the sea, or living inside a mountain. In my mind, I finally belonged to myself and was free to be me.

Dragon Ring.
Handmade with red tiger’s eye (also known as dragon’s eye) and recycled sterling silver.

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Environment

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I am the daughter of an architect. Growing up, my father would point out the world around us: every staircase, archway, tile and sculpture. He taught me that the size of windows and their location on the façade gave a house its face; that the thickness of the walls made it feel reliable or flimsy; and its color could alter or calm the people who lived there. From him, I learnt that the design of buildings and public spaces shapes our imagination and the quality of our lives.

Today I can't help but observe and appreciate the beauty of my surroundings. Perhaps it was his clever plan, because now that my dad is gone, I feel he can still see the world through my eyes.

Environment Necklace.
Handmade with ametrine and recycled sterling silver.
Available this Friday at 5 pm CT in my online shop.

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Robust Talisman

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I’ve always loved the talismans made by the Ersari, Tekke and Yomud tribes of Turkmenistan. The ‘asyk’ or heart-shaped pendant has been typically worn by women and symbolizes health and fertility.

Here is my own version, with a large sun at the center to bring warmth to the heart.

Robust Talisman.
Handmade with carnelian and recycled sterling silver.

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Dance

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I returned from vacation ready to dance with creation.

Dance Ring.
Handmade with recycled sterling silver.

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Unraveled

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Whenever I finish a piece, I always ask: who are you? Because even if she was born from me, this is the first time we meet.

Here, I see an upright figure who stands on her own two feet, who occupies the space she needs, and is led by a big complex heart that is constantly evolving.

I also see a curious sheep and a bird… What do you see?

Unraveled Talisman.
Handmade with recycled sterling silver.

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Truth

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“If you do not tell the truth about yourself you cannot tell it about other people.”
— Virginia Woolf

Truth Pendant.
Handmade with recycled sterling silver.

Sun Lion

I set out to make a lion talisman to invoke the energy of an animal that lives at ease in its own body, who hunts when he’s hungry, and who is tender with his cubs. I also wanted his mane to feel warm like the sun.

What I got, was a lion who is sad, perhaps because his planet is changing, but also because sadness is an important part of life. Without it, our existence would not be this poignant or meaningful.

Sun Lion Pendant.
Handmade with brass and recycled sterling silver.

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Sanctuary

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When I was a child, The Secret Garden, By Frances Hodgson Burnett, was one of my favorite books.

It is the story of a neglected orphaned girl who goes to live with a rich uncle who is never home. Restless and lonely, she wanders through the large estate, until she discovers a secret walled garden that belonged to his dead wife.

As she, her crippled cousin, and other endearing characters tend the garden back to life, they too regain their joy and blossom.

The message of this story seems to me as vital now as it was then, which is why I made this amulet to embody the healing power of nature, love and our chosen community.

Sanctuary Amulet.
Handmade with hessonite garnet and recycled sterling silver.

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Fertile

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16 years ago I made my first piece of jewelry. It was a protective hand, or Hamsa, as it is known in the Middle East. I made it to bless and protect my creative path ahead.

I knew that the way of the artist is uncertain: you have to trust invisible ideas long enough to make them tangible.

There are no roadmaps: you must change course, or stay on the same path, in order to continue, and be guided only by intuition.

If you make a living from what you create, you have to create without thinking about selling (or you will stop free exploration), and then somehow sell what you’ve created.

It is a solitary path with few distractions from your inner world, which you must protect from distractions from the outer world.

Without knowing it then, I chose the perfect talisman. The one I made today, is in gratitude for all I’ve learnt along the way.

Fertile Talisman.
Handmade with prehnite and recycled sterling silver.

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Protection

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These are challenging times for those of us who feel life deeply. Social structures seem to be changing faster than ever, and safe places feel far and apart.

I made this protective eye a few weeks ago, as a talisman to ward off negative energy. But today, as I was feeling anxious about the future, it took on a deeper meaning: not to protect me from outer chaos, but to connect me to the vision that underneath every movement there is stillness, and under all the noise there is silence, and both offer a safe and constant space where we can exist.

Protective Eye Pendant.
Handmade to order with recycled sterling silver.

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Painting Sale: 60% off

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My painting sale starts tomorrow, Tuesday. All the paintings will be 60% off.

I’ve divided the paintings by size: the larger formats are available in my website’s Art Shop. Please enter the code ARTSALE at checkout to receive your discount. The smaller formats are available in my Etsy Shop, where the discount is applied automatically.

All prices are in US dollars, and 3-5 week Registered Post delivery is free. If you are in the US or Canada, you can also purchase express 2-8 day UPS shipping here, or in my Etsy Shop.

Thank you for considering my Art to adorn your home!

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3 Cats

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These three Kitty pendants will soon be available in my online shop. They are part of my new made to order collection.

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Kitty III

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“I have studied many philosophers and many cats. The wisdom of cats is infinitely superior.”
— Hippolyte Taine

Kitty III.
Handmade with recycled sterling silver.
Made to order.

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Art Sale

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I am having a sale of all the paintings I made in the past few years. Most of them are made with acrylic on paper from vintage art books, and many helped me regain my joy for color and creative play.

I will offer the best discounts I can, because I’d love every one of them to find a home. I’ll announce the exact dates as soon as I can, as I have many paintings to list in my online shop.

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Kitty II

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“As every cat owner knows, nobody owns a cat.”
— Ellen Kelley Berkeley

Kitty II.
Handmade with recycled sterling silver.
Made to order.

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Kitty I

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I am starting a collection of smaller, made-to-order pieces. This Kitty is the first.