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Meet the Artist

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INSPIRED ADORNMENT with HEALING INTENT

I merge traditional smithing techniques with precious metal clay. Exploring the possibilities is exciting to me. Coming from a ceramic clay background — see that side of me at www.dunbarstudios.com — I find PMC to be user-friendly and smithing lights up my inner pyro. I welded large sculptures while attending UCSB in the early ’80s, using an acetylene torch. It is a familiar sight to see the melting point. I was sent to the torch because my clay sculptures became too elongated for clay. I always seem to push the boundaries, the drive to explore and figure out the mechanics of my creative ideas come from both my engineer father and my artist mother.

 

I moved to the top of Figueroa Mountain with my horses, dogs and cats some twenty years ago. Nature and animals are so much a part of who I am and where inspiration comes to me. The ocean, forest and desert influence me to my core. Moving from the east coast at age 6, I have lived 95% of my life on the edge of the continent in SB county, with a stint during high-school years in the Arizona desert south of Tucson.

 

I worked in a metaphysical store and that began part of my learning about semi-precious stones and exploring crystal energy. I became a Usui Reiki Master during this period and began working with Shamanic healing techniques. My working with stones and making inspired adornment is an extension of this part of me.

 

I like to put healing energy into my artwork and believe the pieces will find the right person. I feel I am healing as I become focused and present in the making of each piece, especially when time disappears. My intent is that my work will bring joy and healing to the person they adorn.

Hi I'm Susie Dunbar:
Silver and Gemstone Jewelry Artisan