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Jessica Wilson was born and raised in New York.
She has been studying and making art all her life.
Her earliest medium was mud, which she sculpted into
pies, globs and other organic forms. In 1982
Jessica graduated from S.U.N.Y. College at Purchase,
N.Y. with a BFA. in sculpture and photography. She
then went on to study interior design and jewelry design
at F.I.T. in New York City.
In addition to her artistic pursuits Jessica trained
extensively as a dancer. She studied classical
ballet at the School of American Ballet in New yourk and
modern dance with the José Limon Company. Her love
of dance manifests itself in the fluid lines and
movement in her work. Other influences continue to
be plant forms, mythology, ancient civilizations and
felines.
In 2001, after her sixth visit, Jessica left the
frozen North and moved from Saratoga Springs, NY to Key
West. She has been showing and selling her jewelry
in various Key West galleries and at fine craft shows
throughout the Keys.
Jewelry Process: GODDESS ADORNMENT JEWELRY
The main silver elements of my jewelry are made
from a relatively new material called Fine Silver
Precious Metal Clay (PMC). Even though it is
called clay, it is actually pure silver. PMC is
comprised of microscopic particles of fine silver
suspended in an organic binder. PMC can be formed just
as you would potters clay as it has the same malleable
consistency. It is then fired in a kiln in which
the sintering process fuses the silver metal particles
and burns off the binder leaving pure Fine Silver
(.999FS)
I form the PMC and air-dry it to a "leather hard"
stage. It can then be safely handled to remove any
excess clay and add any components or bails and loops,
drill holes and sand areas that will require a smooth
mirror like finish. The piece is then fired for 2
hours at 1650° to achieve the
optimum density of the material. After firing I
continue to refine the form and surface detail and then
tumble it with stainless steel shot to compact the metal
particles, further increasing the density and strength
of the silver and bringing up the shine. Once out
of the tumbler I complete any hand finishing and apply
any final surface texture or patina. I then
assemble or string the finished silver piece with hand
selected fresh water pearls, semi-precious gemstones,
silver chains or leather to complete my design.
The inspirations for my creations emerge from the
beauty and diversity of foliage and marine elements that
are so abundant in the Keys. I model mu jewelry
components from leaves of local plans, twigs, shells,
sea stars (aka starfish) and the colors of ocean water.
My work is often described as understated elegance
with a bit of attitude. Goddess Adornment Jewelry
to be dressed down or up; enjoyed every day and for
years to come.
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