Detailed, bold and visually compelling, its no surprise that Peggy Sturman from MSturman Jewellery reveals that she is mostly influenced by the colors, shapes and textures she sees in the world around her.  Here she shares more insights into her designs in our Jewelry Report Interview.

Where do you find inspiration?

Inspiration is in everything I see all around me.  I am very impacted by visual events.  I go to Tucson each February to teach and to shop and am always captivated by the forms, light and colors of the mountains and deserts. Ansel Adams called it the practice of “careful seeing” but I am rather profligate in my seeing, rather than careful.

Inspiration also comes to me from the materials I choose to work with, the colors, form, and shape of pearls and stones – the more unusual the better.  I am also enamoured of vintage stones and beads – their age, uniqueness and difference from jewelry components today.  Using these materials makes my work unlike anything else on the market. 

What is your favorite design, and is this your best seller? 

I can’t say that I have a “favorite” design, but if I’d have to choose one, it would be my pearl necklace, Tails, crocheted of tailed and circled top-drilled natural pearls, with freshwater and keshi pearls.  I could love it forever, as opposed to other pieces at which I would just smile a goodbye when they are sold.

How did you first get into jewelry art?

I have been a horticultural therapist working with the geriatric population.  (Horticultural Therapy is a form of Occupational Therapy and is used as a means of teaching children, retraining brain-injured or other such injured patients, and giving beauty to them, but especially to seniors.)  A number of years ago, I was seeking something different involving plants and flowers to introduce to my seniors, and saw a class in beaded flowers.  This intrigued me, but I wasn’t at the time in a position to take the challenge of learning beaded flowers – I never have done – but I was thereby introduced to beads and beadwork.  I learned to crochet them and to weave with them.

What keeps you motivated?

The materials keep me motivated, the desire to create in my own personal way.

How important are awards and critical acclaim to you?

It’s always rewarding to be acclaimed!  The very first time I ever entered a competition, I was judged into it! I was so excited and amazed!

Can you name another jewelry designer whose work you admire?

I am not a metalsmith, but I did take a class in it which taught me tremendous respect for those who work in metal.  My work has been dismissed many times as not being “fine jewelry” since I am not a metalsmith.  I do admire the work of Biba Schutz, who is also a great person and is an innovative metalsmith.  With regard to beadwork, there are a number of artists whose work I admire such as David Chatt and Joyce Scott.

Do you find the process of experimentation frustrating or inspiring?

The process of experimentation is necessary but always frustrating, annoying and time-consuming.  However, the “Ah Hah” moment at the end of the process is always rewarding and makes it all worthwhile.

If you could have any jewelry super-power to help you with your jewelry what would it be?  

If I could have a jewelry super-power this would be someone to help with the tedious, repetitive bits that are necessary and that accompany the fabrication of any designed piece of woven jewelry.

Find our more about Peggy's jewelry at her website, http://www.msturman.com/ or her classes at this link, http://www.beadelighted.com/