Imagination.  Is there any other word to describe Gail Crosman´s work?  Oh yes, talent, vision and technically varied could all be applied in equal measure.  Gail´s pieces are the result of an obviously curious, vibrant and daring mind, and are an inspiration for all jewelry artists who too seldom stray from convention in order to experiment with new materials, color combinations and techniques.  Not content with being accomplished in one area of jewelry creation, Gail puts lesser jewelers (myself included) to shame by boasting immense talent in glasswork, felting and beading and combines these skills in daring ways to create bold and dramatic pieces of wearable art, each one a statement piece and a testament to her unique design style.  Here, she answer some questions about her work and career...

What are your favorite materials to work with?
Any and all, I really have an ‘open drawer policy’, I use whatever it takes to get the job done! That said, I often use glass, metal and felt.

Why did you decide to start teaching rather than just making?
As an artist I run the risk of isolation, teaching connects me to many like-minded people. I love the spark and arc of sharing what I know and watching people in their ‘aha’ moments.

How did you first get into your speciality of jewelry art in general?
It was a long and convoluted path. Simply, my larger scale work wasn’t satisfying, I love the scale of jewelry, the challenge of ‘saying it all’ within the perimeter and scope of intimate wear.

What do you find rewarding about teaching?
Teaching lets me use the parts of my brain that are ignored when only focused on my own work, as well as exposes me to an audience that I might not connect with otherwise.

Do you get more excited about the design or technical aspects of jewelry art?
They both have their challenges, design comes easier to me, so in that respect...when I break through technically on a piece it is extra rewarding.

Can you name another jewelry designer whose work you admire?
There are so many, if I had to pick one it would probably be Steff Korsage, she simply oozes creativity.

Do you find the process of experimentation frustrating or inspiring?
Both! If I get the ‘green light’ to allow for the time to explore new materials/techniques it inevitably incorporates both of these responses at one time or another, hopefully the frustration leads to inspiration!

Are there any new skills that you are dying to learn for yourself?
Not so much learning anything new but I would like to reconnect with and practice some long dormant skills like electroforming and incorporating porcelain into this scale.

If you could have any jewelry super-power to help you with your jewelry what would it be?  (Perhaps flame throwing hands to fire your pieces quickly?  Mind reading for your customers? Extra arms?  :) 
Those all sound great!  I might add ‘thumbs that would work well forever’ as I am currently recovering from surgery for arthritis in my thumbs, my ‘retirement plan’.

You can find out more about Gail, and view a gallery of her work (which I highly recommend taking a look at!) at Www.gailcrosmanmoore.com.  She is also featured on Www.craftedu.com  (More information about this exciting site coming to The Jewelry Report soon.)