Tricia Simmons

525 Florida St SE

Albuquerque, NM 87108

WildLilyStudio@aol.com

630-292-4711

                         Artist Statement

My love of making jewelry began 15 years ago when I started making ceramic clay jewelry for my Aromatherapy business. Most of my life I have been a craftsperson- working with fabric, needlework, beads, mosaics and clay.

In 2002 I read about PMC (Precious Metal Clay). I started taking classes and experimenting with coating metal clay paste on to shapes of angels, dragonflies and other winged creatures I made from wet newspaper. Then I started experimenting with other organic materials. Taking walks now means also looking for new natural materials- I collect pods, flowers, leaves, seeds & twigs all over the country and transform them into fine silver jewelry.

After coating each piece with 12-15 coats of silver clay paste, it is fired in a kiln at 1290-1650 F. The natural material burns away and what is left is fine silver- .   0.999. Opening the kiln is exciting- I never know what I will find. Sometimes a pod with transform into a new shape, sometimes it needs repairs and occasionally it will “explode” beyond repair. It is quite an alchemical process. The work unfolds itself. Often what I plan turns out to be something totally different.

Each item I make is one-of-a-kind with its own energy and story. I improvise with materials, including mixed metals, wire twining, weaving and looping.

I like jewelry that has movement and is fun. I add semi-precious stones, wire, beads, chains, charms, and even screws, rivets and brads.

                                Biography

I grew up in Chicago, and lived there until 2006. I went to nursing school, raised 5 children and was active in 4-H and Home schooling. I was in many Arts & Crafts Fairs, and was in my first gallery, Artful Gatherings until it closed in 2007.

I am a PMC Certified Level III Artisan, and have taken classes in Metal work, wirework, pottery & sculpture. I have studied with teachers all over the country including Sherry Fotopoulos, Lauren Tobey, Mary Hettsmanberger, and Robert Dancik & continue to seek out Master Teachers to improve my skills.

In 2006 I moved to Placitas New Mexico to be with the love of my life Andrew. We currently reside in Albuquerque. I am in 2 galleries in the Santa Fe/Albuquerque area, and I work and teach PMC classes in my home studio and art spaces in the community.  I gather natural materials in my travels for inspiration & new creations.