How did I come up with this?

I get asked a lot of "how do you come up with these designs?" or "were you trained in this?" The answer is no. It honestly comes from within. As I stated in my first blog, I am an artist. That is another talent I was not formally trained on. I like to think that I am a visual person. I can see or think of a picture and bring it to life. Of course I do my fair share of research on how to make that happen but no I have no formal training. 

In fact, one of my first memories was taking art class as a kid and at 5 years old I made an elaborately detailed drawing of the White House that looked so professional. I wish I still had it but my parents mailed it off the President Bush during his presidency. I was 5 years old and had no prior training to that. For whatever reason, I never pursued art further until 2019. I took up painting as a way to cope with stress from my corporate job. It was therapeutic and an outlet for me. I didn't take it seriously until I was having cabin fever due to the COVID-19 pandemic. My home now looks like an art museum and I love it. 

So back to the gemstones. I had a passion for gemstones and jewelry but there weren't a lot of designs that peaked my interest. I love big and bold designs, any jewelry that makes a statement. I didn't begin this love until my father bought me my first pearl. I have been pearl obsessed ever since. It was to the point that I couldn't pass a pearl shop without getting something. Furthermore, my father would take me to these jewelry shows and expo's where there would be exclusive designs (which is something I am truly a fan of). Who wants to have the same thing from these overpriced, big name retailers? Not me! I have never been one to follow the crowd. When I was gainfully employed I looked forward to splurging at these exclusive jewelry events and getting one of a kind jewelry, however, my taste was few and far between. 

I know that I can achieve anything I put my mind to. The same goes for you too! With a little research and some elbow grease I began bringing my visions to life. It's difficult for me to explain how I come up with my designs because there is not just one way. Some of them are designs I would unapologetically wear and wish there were more of. Others are inspired by certain people in my life such as family members, friends, mentors, people who have impacted me in a positive way, or people who I admire. Just as I did with my plants, I select a certain color that resembles their personality, I create a pattern or design that reflects their sense of style and I just try to capture that person in a form of art. When I view my jewelry making, I view it as a muse. There are no strict rules when making art. Everything goes. There are no mistakes. I am an unconventional type. I try not to stress about imperfections and find the beauty in everything.