About the designer

 

As a child, one of Susan's favourite games was playing "jewellery store" on the beach at the family cabin on Galiano Island. Surf-tumbled sea glass, weathered crockery, and pleasing stones were set up on drift wood and sandstone "display cases". These elements are still her favourite "gemstones" and they are incorporated into jewellery using traditional silversmithing techniques. Susan has travelled to many disused ocean dumpsites in search of sea glass. Because of the unique nature of sea glass and beachstones all pieces are one-of-a-kind and completely hand-fabricated from silver wire and sheet. 

 

It was during a beginners metalsmith class where the first flash of a modest chef's torch had Susan hooked. She set up a rudimentary studio in an outbuilding on her property and began to play in earnest. Additional training has led Susan to workshops up and down the West Coast, from Vancouver Island to San Francisco. Since then Susan has had several opportunities to study with gifted maestros in the mountains of Central Mexico. 

 

Susan now works from her small farm in the Cowichan Valley and her cottage in Ruxton Island. Not to worry - she has long since upgraded from the lowly shed to the main house where there's heat! Plumbing! Internet! Now all that she needs is more time in the day. Life is good! 

 

Inquiries and comments are always welcome.  

 

 

Awards: 

  • Ladysmith Fine Arts Show - Best Jewellery - 2021
  • Ladysmith Fine Arts Show - Honourable Mention - 2016 
  • Sooke Fine Arts Show - Award of Excellence - 2014 
  • Sooke Fine Arts Show - Best Jewellery - 2012  

 

Juried Shows: 

  • Craft Council of British Columbia - 2019
  • Craft Council of British Columbia - Earrings Show - 2016
  • Sidney Fine Arts Show 2016

 

Artist-in-Residence:

  • Shibui Gallery - 2016
  • Wickaninnish Inn - 2013  

 

Media: 

  • Boulevard Magazine - 2018
  • Shaw GoTV - 2014 
  • Aqua magazine - 2013 

 

Studies Abroad through Pratt Art Center Seattle:

  • Chiapas, Mexico - Talla de Ambar (Amber Carving) - 2020 
  • Guadajuato, Mexico - Pajarito (Little Bird Style) - 2019 
  • Oaxaca, Mexico - Filigrano (Filigree) - 2018