Diana Ferguson Artisan Jewelry
Just when I think I've seen everything there is to see in the paper art world, something completely new and different crosses my path...
Diana Ferguson of Lake Geneva, Wisconsin combines her own digital art with handwoven chain work to create eye-catching paper and metal jewelry. Not only does she use typical silver and gold, but also alternative metals such as niobium, aluminum, stainless steel, copper, and brass.
Originally Diana experimented with origami paper, but found the weight and strength of cotton rag watercolor paper to be more suitable for her sculptural shapes. For example, this rose cuff bracelet is strong and rigid, yet flexible enough to slip easily over the wrist. Diana glazes the paper elements with a polymer to protect against moisture and fading.
From gracefully curved isosceles trapezoids in muted colors (Google to the rescue; geometry class was a while ago!) to playful, shiny gold petals mixed with vintage Playbill lettering, Diana creates lightweight and comfortable earrings.
I think the simplicity of this design and the botanical patterning created with collage and mixed media techniques makes it my very favorite.
You''ll find Diana on Instagram as @dianafergusonja, contact her via her website, or if you're lucky enough to be in Chicago the weekend of June 1-3, meet her in person at the Eastside Millenium Art Festival.
