When I first saw the work of Perri Jackson, from Shaktipaj Designs, I was blown away by her attention to detail and ability to manipulate coarse wire into the most minutely complex shapes and beads. 

Not being particularly talented at wire work myself,  I am always intrigued by other artists who thrive in this medium.  Interviewing Perri made me realize that I have to change the way I think about wire and metal work in general, and learn to explore rather than challenge the material,  seeing how I can shape it into an interpretation of my idea,  rather than stubbornly bending it to my will.  It's clear from her answers that wire work is a process of collaboration, rather than domination.  Collaboration, is another thing that she does well, sharing her most popular techniques in tutorials in her online store,  as well as offering up some valuable insight on her blog.  She is also one of a new breed of jewellers who have embraced all that the internet has to offer a jewelry artist, and her network and sales are a testament to just how effective these new mediums can be. 

Here,  she shares with us a bit about her work and her process...

Where do you find inspiration?
Connections! I love similes!

As humans, we create models to help us understand our world - pictures in our minds that show us connections. Similes are the stuff models are made of. When I want to construct some crazy thing from wire, I try to conceive what that thing reminds me of. If I make the connection, then constructing it becomes really easy - I don't perceive that anything about it is impossible. For instance, when I constructed 'Strange Attractor', I got the idea that it was the same as playing with Tinker Toys and embroidery thread that moved like Gumby. This mental picture helped me define not only the need for architectural stability, but both the limitations and possibilities of movement in the wire that would get me there. Plus, it was fun picturing Gumby stretching past his limits trying to move all the wire around and sew at the same time -  that's the best part!

What is your favorite design, and is this your best seller?
My favorite design is the pattern in my Celtic Braid Bezel tutorial, because it was developed as I made a woven bezel pendant for my Beloved husband. He snatched it up and said it was a keeper.(smile) My best selling tutorial is the first one I ever wrote: the Periwinkle Bead Cap - a cute little cap that also is the basis for my hollow beaded beads.

How did you first get into jewelry art?
I started tying embroidery floss and beads into micro-macrame in 1969 - my classmates bought them from me for a dollar. As an adult, I fell in love with itty bitty beads.(15s and smaller) I taught classes to support my habit, and eventually started bending wire to make interesting findings. After I broke my wrist in 2006, I went over to the Dark Side and embraced wire completely - not even Yoda could save me, LOL