Whether the peaceful plateau in the midst of jagged Himalayan peaks inspires a new pendant, or the arc of a swallow’s dive in my own yard rouses me to sketch a bracelet, or I just think a certain style earring is oh so pretty … I enjoy the process of creating with metal.

Sometimes people ask what my favorite process or design style is. I don’t have one. I simply like to create, deriving inspiration from nature. Taking a sheet of metal and forming it into an idea is very gratifying. And when the process becomes fluid, and the metals guide me into the completed design, it is just where I want to be.  Working with my hands brings me peace.

One of the greatest joys of making these pretty little things is that sometimes, just maybe, a piece can make someone feel more beautiful, stronger, or more loved, just by wearing it. 

Every piece is unique, teaching me and inspiring a start for the next project.  It’s wonderfully natural for me to begin at one point and journey through patterns, textures, hammering, forging, forming and soldering to an end result. The one constant is that I never stop observing the natural beauty that surrounds me and aim to translate that into my work.  I take note of color, texture, rhythm, contrasts and the feelings they provoke.

Interestingly, my father built his career and company as an engineer working solely in metal--specifically titanium. Some say metal is in my DNA. I am a member of LexArt, a metalsmithing guild, with a beautifully equipped studio in Lexington, Massachusetts where I create and sell my work.  It’s a place full of inspiring artists and friends.  For many years I have been studying with a truly gifted and empowering teacher. I am a lifelong learner, constantly developing new techniques and incorporating best practices, and grateful for all the classes available to me in the Boston area.  And I am blessed to have an in-home studio which, more often than not, I am happily sharing with one of my three children.

I would cherish the opportunity to create for you.

Tomasina