Karoz Fine Silver
One of a kind handcrafted jewelry!
Inspired by my father....
As a young girl I was amazed and inspired by my father's drawings. His ability to capture the likeness of a subject with such precision fascinated me and prompted my attempts to achieve his skill. On top of that his fortitude and tenacity showed me his strength and the possibilities of never giving up. He learned strength and fortitude as a Marine. These qualities came to bear when he was afflicted with polio. Even though his hands were paralyzed, Dad drew a beautiful gardenia, complete with a dewdrop, as an anniversary gift to my mother. Gardenias were mother�s favorite flower. She was moved by his sentiment and cherished the drawing.
With encouragement from my parents and teachers I began a life-long learning process. Even though life�s demands diverted my attentions, my interest in the various forms of art always drew me back to creating something with whatever materials that were available. And the materials reflected my preference for the 3 dimensional arts. Through the years I would dabble in various crafts, such as sewing, crochet, macram� and knitting, making Christmas present with each new experiment. Each craft taught me certain important qualities of construction. Once the demands of parenthood lessened I enrolled in college. My studies directed me to other media, such as, plaster, wood, cardboard, steel and finally to good old Mother Earth. I studied ceramics but constraints of time, space and being a nuisance to my neighbors posed problems that were solved by the introduction of metal clay. This new product works in the same way as earthen clay so it fit my needs to a T! And, oh what fun and endless possibilities it has!
I have found some success in working with this metal. I continue learning as I work and all the wonderful people that I have met along the way. I also continue to take classes as the opportunity arises. The latest class was Metalsmithing for Jewelry taught by Kevin Lin (an excellent teacher) at the St. Louis Community College at Florissant Valley. I have also received certification in the use of Precious Metal Clay (PMC). This entitles me to teach classes. If you are interested in learning more contact me at karoz@flash.net
With encouragement from my parents and teachers I began a life-long learning process. Even though life�s demands diverted my attentions, my interest in the various forms of art always drew me back to creating something with whatever materials that were available. And the materials reflected my preference for the 3 dimensional arts. Through the years I would dabble in various crafts, such as sewing, crochet, macram� and knitting, making Christmas present with each new experiment. Each craft taught me certain important qualities of construction. Once the demands of parenthood lessened I enrolled in college. My studies directed me to other media, such as, plaster, wood, cardboard, steel and finally to good old Mother Earth. I studied ceramics but constraints of time, space and being a nuisance to my neighbors posed problems that were solved by the introduction of metal clay. This new product works in the same way as earthen clay so it fit my needs to a T! And, oh what fun and endless possibilities it has!
I have found some success in working with this metal. I continue learning as I work and all the wonderful people that I have met along the way. I also continue to take classes as the opportunity arises. The latest class was Metalsmithing for Jewelry taught by Kevin Lin (an excellent teacher) at the St. Louis Community College at Florissant Valley. I have also received certification in the use of Precious Metal Clay (PMC). This entitles me to teach classes. If you are interested in learning more contact me at karoz@flash.net
Brief History of Precious Metal Clay
In the early 1990s, Dr. M. Morikawa of Mitsubishi Materials Corporation (MMC) in Japan led a team of scientists who developed and patented a material known today as Precious Metal Clay (PMC). In Japan, pottery is an art form with deep cultural significance stretching back for over a thousand years. Dr. Morikawa wanted to join jewelry making to ceramics. He reasoned that if he could transform precious metals into a material that could be shaped and finished like clay, he could touch a resonance that would interest many Japanese artists.
By 1994, PMC was in production in Japan and being marketed there. Mitsubishi felt that the product was ready for export. With the help of Darnall Burks, an engineer and protégé of the company, contacted two well-known American jewelers, Ronald Pearson and Tim McCreight, Together these three men conceived and organized an opportunity for fifteen leaders in the crafts to experiment with PMC so they could assess its value. Their research and development was instrumental in introducing “PMC” to the United States.
Memberships
- Partner in Art Coop Gallery
- National Association of Professional Women
- First place winner in the PMC catagory of the Saul Bell Design Award for 2009
- Metal Clay Guild of Greater St. Louis: Chapter of the PMC Guild
- President and Webmaster
- PMC Guild
- Best of Missouri Hands
- Juried Member
- Society of Midwest Metalsmiths
- Laumeier Sculpture Park
- Docent