Thursday, September 27, 2007
Desires of the Heart!
but it sure makes you Look great as you head down its path!"
Julie Claire DeVoe -
Jeweler & Creator of Chimera Designs
Most, if not all, of Julie's work on Gozabo are one-of-a-kind pieces that will not be duplicated. Although it is often hard to capture every aspect of a piece of jewelry in just one small photo, Julie will be happy to e-mail more pictures and more specific descriptions of any items you are interested in.
For all of you Michiganders out there, you can always stop by Julie's store located in historic downtown Lowell, Michigan where she has her own design studio.
If you would like to contact Julie about a special project or design you have in mind email her here.
"6 Years as an adult. My jewelry making began when I was 13 and sold earrings at a mall in Grand Rapids, Michigan on consignment."
Briefly describe your technique & process of how you make your jewelry.
"I do a lot of hand fabrication which involves bending and shaping the gold or silver as opposed to the casting method."
What are some of the differences in working with gold vs. silver?
"Gold solders like butter compared to silver which is much more difficult. Hard to get a mirror finish on silver."
How do you choose the stones you use in your pieces?
"I look for "movement" in the gem, like an interesting pattern or facet configuration."
How long does it usually take to create a unique piece of jewelry?
" Anywhere from 3-18 hours."
What makes being a jeweler so enjoyable for you?
"Solitary mind travel and building something that surprises me!"
Can people bring their own jewels and diamonds in to you and have you use them in a design they would like to create with you?
"Always!"
Where did you learn your trade?
"Self taught with help from Kendall School of Design in Grand Rapids, Michigan & Blaine Lewis, Master Jeweler, at the 'New Approach School for Jewelers'."
Tell us something funny about yourself:
"I carry on very vocal conversations with myself while I work!"
What has been the most challenging for you as a jeweler?
"Knowing when a piece has been "worked" enough- knowing when to stop."
What is your favorite Inspirational saying or quote?
"What IF the "Hokey Pokey" IS what it is all about?"
Any Festivals you will be showing in the near future?
"Sleigh bells & Holly at the Lowell Arts Council in Lowell, Michigan from November 15th through Christmas."
List Accomplishments, awards, recognitions:
"Sole parent of 3 children who are now happy and successful adults." (GoZabo says "MAJOR KUDOS"!)
What do you think makes an artist successful?
"Creating a piece that speaks to me as well as to the person it was designed for!"
Where does the inspiration of your pieces come from?
"First from detailed conversations with the person I am designing for when it is a commissioned piece. My other ideas happen when driving fast in my 300hp Mustang GT!"
One goal that you would still like to achieve and haven't yet?
"I am pretty content for now, but I would like to get to spend some time in Big Sur with my husband Cliff."
The GoZabo Gang
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