Everything I’ve ever done, over my lifetime as an artist, has come together in making jewelry: from the Rembrandt etchings that inspired me as a child, then sculpting, pottery, drawing, design, to computer graphics, digital photography and printmaking. Now I can use it all. Jewelry allows me to create art on the small scale that has always delighted me.

Whether I use beautiful transparent Japanese enamels that will play with the light as it reflects through the layers and bounces off the silver beneath, or opaque enamels used on copper, for stronger, more graphic effects, the process is fascinating and very enjoyable.

I use different techniques to get the textures I want, from Solar plates to carving polymer clay, or linoleum, or pressing different materials into metal clay. By nature, I’m drawn to textures and patterns. I live close to five temperate rain-forests, and on my walks I notice things like the twisting vines, the pattern of leaves against the sky, contrasts – shiny leaves against our dark-red, volcanic soil or lichen on rocks.

When very different materials come together and then work as a whole, I just love that. Or, when I invent a new process and it all comes together even better than I imagined…it’s just magic!

Find Maggie online here: Play Design Create.