kelly jean conroy
About The Artist
Kelly Jean Conroy • Holliston, MA
Jewelry • WHOLESALE AVAILABLE • CUSTOM COMMISSIONS
I see my art jewelry as layered paintings- collages with dimensional elements that allude to a story. The stories are about loss, something that touches us all eventually, but also about the beauty of life. If I can make death and the subsequent feeling of loss something beautiful, I can soothe my fear of future loss. We all carry these experiences of life and loss within the inner layers of our being, and I see my necklaces as a way to wear these moments on one’s outer layer. In my wearable work - I have been searching for ways to bring out the storylines of how I used to paint. Imagery- color- layers- are all constant pursuits of mine. I combine gemstones and mother of pearl with the laser, etching either actual flower silhouettes from my walks outside in nature or imagery from vintage botanical illustrations. All symbolic of the cyclical nature of life and death, beauty, growth and the connections we hold dear and precious to us.
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Q&A with the ArtistTell us how your work is made.I begin my process with a drawing from my sketchbook, or a photograph that I've taken, or perhaps a vintage botanical illustration. I then digitize and collage the images and print them with a laser cutter in my studio. Often creating my own unique gemstones with my chosen symbolism etched within the surface. I use actual gemstones, recon gemstone (which utilizes and recycles the waste from the industry) mother of pearl, and other natural materials. Then I create a unique setting, often with oxidized sterling silver and perhaps with hints of 18k yellow gold. |