jrb art & design

new and recent work

"Fakir" "Landscape"
The two images above show my "Encrusted" bracelet -- it's all made from clay (except for the baubles), and was created using a new technique I've been playing with...
The two images above show brooch pins that are reflective of the old costume jewelry my grandmother wore, pieces that allow me to use my stash of vintage baubles. Yup, they're pretty blingy, but I like 'em.  There are a few other images here on my website of related pieces -- the style mimics the embroidery technique called "Soutache".

These new pieces remind me a bit of the costume jewelry my great grandmother used to wear - full of sparkle and various 'gems'.  In creating them, I was influenced by contemporary jewelry artists who embroider the gems in place, as opposed to using clay as I have.  I am loving being able to finally dip into my stash of vintage gems and baubles to create these pieces...I've tried using them in various ways in the past, but the result usually 'fell flat'.  This time 'round, I'm pleased with the results.
This piece, below, which I call "Splash", was inspired by my friend and student, Claudia (it's not the first time she's inspired me, both in my work, and otherwise :)

jrb art & design Salt Lake City, Utah