About me
I’ve had a strong independent streak from an early age, which I have continued to nurture and develop. It’s meant always being apart from the crowd, often a little quirky, and sometimes outright contrary. On purpose. Call me headstrong, defiant, wayward, or willful and I will take it as a compliment. I have always known who I am and what I want. I design jewelry for people who are similarly independent, wayward, and quirky.
My higher education and training is in the sciences, particularly ecology, animal behavior, and conservation. The sense of curiosity that lead me toward science is also what motivates me to create. I’m inspired by colors and shapes in nature, drawn to the perfectly imperfect, and captivated by what’s weathered and worn. My work is also influenced by a lifetime fascination with folklore, especially animal symbolism, elementals, and shapeshifters.
I am a self-representing artist in jewelry design, managing every aspect from sourcing materials to social media and shipping. I am assisted in my work by two of the best rescue cats ever to manipulate a human into doing their bidding. Mango is my Chief Inspector, assuring quality of the final pieces of jewelry and overseeing packing and shipping of orders. Cloud is my Design Consultant, assisting in selection of components and recommending placement of beads.
Chief Inspector Mango and Design Consultant Cloud
About the logo/name
The horned lizard was one of my earliest totem animals. As a child, I was enthralled by them and would sit perfectly still watching as they hunted ants or burrowed into the ground. When I was lucky, one would step into my hand as I rested it in the dirt. While there were many different species of lizard in the desert where I grew up, I felt the strongest connection with the horned lizards. Although I’ve moved far away from the desert, my sense of connection to these remarkable animals remains strong.
For me, the paisley shape is an iconic symbol of the music and fashion of my early childhood and remains emblematic of modern bohemian culture. The paisley symbol, used by many cultures for centuries, became especially prevalent in western art and fashion in the late 1960’s and early 70’s due to its popularity with the hippie subculture. (In case you are now trying to guess my age: I’m Gen X.) The association of the paisley design with rebellion and non-conformity during that period resonates with me.
The Paisley Lizard is as much a representation of my jewelry style as it is of my own personality. We’re original, unconventional, and authentically boho.
Original earring design with my hand-painted feathers.
About the materials
My art jewelry incorporates an eclectic blend of materials from ceramic and glass to stones and metals. Each component is chosen for its intrinsic beauty and how it will complement the overall design.
My preference is for rustic distressed finishes, and I tend to use metals with a patina or antiqued finish. My designs are dominated by earthy and muted hues with just enough brighter color accents to keep things interesting.
Artisan beads feature prominently in my designs. Some are sourced directly from glass and ceramic artists while others are my own mixed-media creations. Czech glass and semi-precious gemstone beads are used to accent the artisan focals.
I don’t use materials derived from animals, including feathers, silk, wool, leather, bone, coral, shells, or pearls.
About caring for art jewelry
I take pride in creating jewelry that is wearable and durable. While art jewelry is inherently fragile (compared to rhodium and diamonds, that is), Paisley Lizard jewelry is designed to be worn every day and will last a long time with proper care.
Caring for art jewelry is not difficult and basically involves common sense measures like removing it before swimming (or hot-tubbing, if that’s still a thing); avoiding chemical, abrasive, or sonic cleaners (which could damage the glorious metal patinas); and applying your perfumes, lotions, and potions before your jewelry. Cleaning your art jewelry is as simple as gently wiping it with a soft lint-free cloth.
Follow Paisley Lizard on Instagram or Facebook to see my works in progress and be the first to know when new designs are coming to my shop on etsy. For a deeper dive into my creative process, subscribe to my blog.
