 Diana
Kirkpatrick
Jewelry
Artist Statement
I am a jewelry and fiber artist
with a long time love affair with designing and creating wearable art
jewelry. While the basic inspiration for my designs often derives from
nature and natural materials, I love to innovate and experiment with new
approaches and techniques. I constantly experiment with new materials
and approaches while constructing each of my pieces, so each design has
unique characteristics and qualities. I work with both fiber and metal
pieces and I am currently using a variety of weaving, wrapping, and
soldering techniques to create each of my unique designs.
My
fiber designs utilize a tapestry needle weaving technique and I add
beads and gems directly to the warps before I begin to weave. Other
embellishments are added to the piece once the weaving is finished.
Some of my pieces have vertical warping, others use horizontal warps to
give a different look and feel to the design. I’ve been experimenting
with using wire for warping and for weaving as well. Using wire permits
the pieces to be shaped into many interesting forms.
While my designs often are inspired by the colors and textures I observe
in nature, special stones and beads also play a role. I was entranced
by crystal structures while I was earning my PhD in chemistry. Each
crystalline form was fascinatingly unique. I include crystals in many of
my pieces for their texture and eye-catching qualities. In creating
each Art You Can Wear piece, the concept starts with shapes and color
combinations. This leads me to an overall design, then beads and other
elements are selected. In every instance, my goal is to create to a work
of art that brings enjoyment and pleasure whether it is worn or
displayed.
Most of my metal art jewelry is in sterling silver and fine silver. My
pieces incorporate a variety of gemstones, beads and cabochons (cut
stones with a smooth surface) worked into settings created with woven
wire and embellished with naalbinding (an ancient approach to knitting
with wire). Also, coiled and twisted wire. I love the flow of the
spiraled coils around the crystal groups and gemstones and the look of
the weaving as it curves around the stones. I also ensure that each of
my designs is constructed with painstaking attention to detail and
workmanship.
I
fabricate each element of a design in my studio. Last year I added a
website gallery so people can look at my jewelry and wearable art on
line. My site also includes useful information and fascinating lore
about the gemstones I use in my work.
Artist Biography
I’ve been
fascinated with jewelry and jewelry making since my childhood. While I
was growing up, my family spent many happy times exploring the
Appalachians and the Blue Ridge Mountains.
My life has truly
been a journey. The crafts and jewelry I saw during these early years
inspired me to learn all I could about weaving, macramé, and beadwork.
I began to study jewelry techniques seriously in the mid-1970s, taking
classes in lapidary arts, silversmithing, and lost-wax casting. Later, I
also explored bead weaving and needle weaving. Over time, my pieces have
come to include many different materials and a variety of elements from
different techniques.
After earning a
PhD in chemistry, I became fascinated by Middle Eastern dance and in the
1980s I began a long term love affair with this wonderful dance form.
Eventually, I left my career in chemistry to dance professionally and I
also started my own costuming business. I created costumes and
accessory pieces using my beading and jewelry-making skills.
Several years ago
I sold my costume business and returned to my first love – creating “Art
You Can Wear.” I am a member of Florida Craftsmen and this year I
received an Artist Enhancement grant from the State of Florida.
My husband, Bob
Siegel, does all the photography for my website and jewelry business.
He is a retired IBM senior communications executive and earlier he was a
newspaper reporter and editor.
Commentary
Woven Necklace with Coral.
This piece, entitled “Coral Sands,” is currently on display as part of
the Juried Art Exhibit at the Thomas Center Gallery through August 24.
I wove it in plain weave from a mix of metallic fibers and perle cotton
with coral beads, Czech crystal, and sterling silver beads. The
neckline is highlighted with small pieces of coral.
Wire and Fiber Fan (Spanish Fan)
is woven from cotton and metallic fibers on a sterling silver
framework. The central portion of the design is a mixture of Swarovski
crystal, Czech crystal, and sterling silver beads. The design is
further highlighted with pendant crystals and an accent lampwork bead.
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