Flow with whatever may happen and let your mind be free. Stay centered by whatever you are doing.

This is the ultimate. ~ Zhuangzi

Jan Mandel drapes jewelry like she used to drape clothing. “I build it around the body form in 360 degree format.  I do not cast, or work flat. I build/drape my materials on mannequin forms that I have collected over time in order to visualize the flow and movement of the material.  This flow of metal as it surrounds the body is key to my process, with the negative space that results equally as important!   It is the negative voids that are created in the structures that allow my work to breathe and flow.”

With a degree in Clothing Design from Moore College of Art and Design in Philadelphia, Jan started as draper/pattern maker working in NYC/Philadelphia and the West Coast. This parlayed into a career in Interior Design, starting in restoration and conversion of historic spaces. Her draping skills served well in one-of-a-kind hand-draped window treatments. The opportunity to do a couple of Symphony Design Houses in both Baltimore and Washington DC altered her world. If that wasn’t enough, she began taking classes at Montgomery College in Metals.

Classes with Komelia Okim, Jan Maddox and Dorothea Stover honed her metals techniques and she was hooked. Another life altering experience! “The manipulation of metals became a passion.” Wanting even more exposure, Jan entered the University of Washington, Seattle to get a Masters in Metals, studying with Mary Lee Hu and John Marshall. Upon completion of her degree in 1999 her career took off. International and national exhibitions followed; the chance to document and research the Boucheron Jewelry archive in Paris led to an invitation to exhibit tiaras at the Victoria and Albert Museum, London. Thus was born her Transformational Jewelry line.

“Most of the jewelry that I create can function, as both sculptural and wearable objects. These pieces derive their identity from process, rather than narrative.  Asymmetric, gold wire structures that defy their fragile appearance, evoke mass where there is none, relying on the viewers eye to visualize the unseen.  I work with 18K golds of varying colors, large freshwater pearls and unusual, irregular shaped stones. The work can be

intensely tight (fretworks)...or extremely minimalistic. It is the play of light and the premeditated negative space within these fretworks that engage the wearer and allow the stones to float on the body. Due to their sculptural aesthetic when not worn, these jewels can be displayed on a wall or pedestal.” Every piece is one-of-a-kind.

Jan’s work is included in The Renwick Gallery of the Smithsonian American Art Museum. She first exhibited with Pleiades as a guest in 2001 and 2003, becoming a member in 2004. If you would like to see more or to contact Jan to purchase a piece please check her website.

Not just a doodle...

Jan Maddox always intended to teach art, but while an arts major at University of Nebraska she needed an extra class and there was this credit jewelry class offered at night. Although a very primitive class, they enameled over a Bunsen burner, here was a whole new world of tools, vocabulary and materials. Her first piece was a cabochon setting in a ring. The instructor was a talented watchmaker trained at Elgin National Watch Company. Years later Jan taught the course.

Quarter Circle Pin with Damascene Inlay from The Art of Jewelry Making by Alan Revere

Graduate school took her to Indiana University where she had the opportunity to study under Alma Eikerman who had established an exceptional metals program which trained many of the country’s top jewelry teachers and jewelers.  On her own, Jan found that ceramics was too demanding in space and equipment and painting wasn’t quite doing it for her, but jewelry she could do in her kitchen (she used to make copper ashtrays on her stove). With a primitive set of tools she created a line of jewelry that “didn’t look like it came out of a jewelry store”. 

1967 found Jan teaching part time at Montgomery College where she set up the Art Appreciation courses and in 1971 upon completion of the Arts building in Rockville she went full time, teaching art appreciation, two and three-dimensional design, jewelry and general crafts over the next 25 years. All the time creating her own well received body of work.

In 1984 she joined Joke Van Ommen in opening Vo Galerie in DC, now Jewelers' Werk Galerie. This small space focused on contemporary jewelry, primarily from Europe, but also featured many American jewelers. Although only there for a short time, Jan learned about retail, what suits different people and as a result feels her pieces are only complete when she sells them and they become “someone else’s treasures.”

The challenge of the design enthralls her. “I like to start with something in hand, 2 squares and a bunch of circles of different sizes lead to sketches of different ways to arrange them.How big are the elements, what patterns are where? I follow the sketches very closely, but sometimes shit happens and you have to make adjustments.” The next challenge is often figuring out how to make it, what techniques to use to create the texture and attach the elements. Fabric provides a lot of inspiration for the textures of her metals.

Jan served on the board at Rockville Arts Place (now VisArts) and now at Waverly Gallery in Bethesda. She joined Pleiades in 1989 when they were still exhibiting in Garrett Park Town Hall. Jan describes her work as classical – intellectual, romantic – emotional.

If you would like to see more or contact Jan to purchase a piece check her facebook page, Jan Maddox Jewelry or contact her by email at janmaddox0000@yahoo.com. Jan will also be participating in Metalworks 2014 the Washington Guild of Goldsmiths show in November, JRA Day on December 6. She is also participating in a "Teacher's Pet" show with two of her former students at the Pearson Legacy Gallery in Deer Isle Maine October 8-26 and showing 71 pieces as a guest artist at the Iona Center for Creative Aging until October 10th.

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Let me introduce you...

"The delicate balance of mentoring someone is not creating them in your own image, but giving them the opportunity to create themselves." ~Steven Spielberg

For the last several years a booth was added so that up and coming jewelry artists could gain experience exhibiting in a retail show under the tutelage of seasoned artists. This year's two juried student artists are Robin Bass and Denisa Piatti. Join us in welcoming them to the party!

Robin Bass

1. What led you to designing and creating jewelry?

I was always fascinated with jewelry, sculpture and design. As a little girl my mom would find me in the department stores on my tip toes trying to peek in the jewelry cases. I became a Graphic Designer after I graduated from UMCP majoring in Advertising Design. After working 20 years as a designer for an advertising/design agency and then once I had children, freelancing, I've been a student at Mica for a few years studying metalwork and jewelry design. Lately making gifts for friends and relatives and selling my work online or from home.

2. Are you a full time artist and how did you make your way there?

Yes and have always been in some capacity.

3. Biggest challenge as an artist?

Having the time to produce all the designs in my head and working by myself when I am really a people person is hard at times. I am hoping one day to have real people here to help and to talk to besides my dog Kirby.

4. Describe your creative process?

Always being inspired by fashion and modern sculpture. I usually start with a sketch on my iPad or sketch book or sometimes I even create a rendering in gauche. Some of my new designs are designed right from the lathe. I then take the turned design and cut into it to create a more distinctive piece. I also am now teaching myself 3D design and will be sending out a few pieces to be 3D printed very shortly.

5. What inspires you?

What doesn’t is an easier question for me to answer. I am inspired by so much around me. You could say nature but who isn’t inspired by nature? High fashion, modern art, sculpture, simple everyday items at times.. I am addicted to my iPhone camera and presently have almost 3000 photos on it… many are screen shots of things that inspire me…flowers, ironwork, door knockers, sculpture, etc.

6. Tell me about the technical process you employ in your work.

My most recent collection is lathed pieces that have been cut into to create unique shapes. I am meticulous about the finishing process and I finally have come up with the perfect balance of matte and sheen with a combination of hand finishing and tumbling. I spend more time finishing pieces usually than on the actual construction most of the time.

7. How would you describe your artistic style and how has it changed over the years?

Sterling bud cuff w/black pearl

I like the idea of creating a simple statement. Something that demands attention yet doesn’t shout it. I like bold clean modern designs in jewelry that are unique yet timeless.

8. Any big plans for the future? Other shows, etc...

I am doing the Facets show for the first time in October at Cross Keys in Baltimore. [Click here for more info.]

9. If someone wants to purchase a piece from you (away from the show) what is the best way for them to contact you?

I have a website, robinbassjewelry.com, a blog and I am on etsy or they are welcome to call 443.604.8094.

Denisa Piatti

1. What led you to designing and creating jewelry?

When I was 13, my dad took me to visit the Secondary School of Applied Arts in my country-Slovakia, as I was always good at crafts and creative activities. Right there and then, I fell in love with the art of creating jewelry. Two years later, I enrolled in a 4 year intensive program focused on traditional jewelry techniques and materials. I continued to broaden my skills and creative thinking at another 4 year studies, receiving my BA in Three Dimensional Design at art school in Scotland.


And I continue with my love affair with jewelry until today…

2. Are you a full time artist and how did you make your way there?

Yes I am. I invest all my time and energy into designing and making my pieces. Establishing myself as an artist requires my full commitment and is a long and demanding journey. But there is nothing that I would rather do.

3. Biggest challenge as an artist?

To stay focused and enthusiastic after rejections and the struggle for establishment and recognition.

4. Describe your creative process?


It has a lot to do with the excitement and exploration of new, unconventional materials, their possible transformation and metamorphosis into something new, unexpected…

5. What inspires you?

Everything around me, small details, colors, shapes, patterns, and contrast.

6. Tell me about the technical process you employ in your work.

As the materials play a central role in my work, the technical process always changes. In my latest collection I mainly cut, polish, form and rivet acrylic plastic with precious metals and stones.

7. How would you describe your artistic style and how has it changed over the years?

In my work, I apply organic forms and shapes to inorganic materials to become body adornments. My most recent body of work is inspired by the shapes of seaweed washed ashore.

By using the combination of colorful acrylics with precious metals I want to question whether it is materials, craftsmanship, or design that makes jewelry precious. I use this contrast as an instrument to stimulate the wearer or viewer to ponder how jewelry derives its value.

8. Any big plans for the future? Other shows, etc...

I have big plans, the question is how to achieve them.

But aside from that, I will participate at the World Bank Margaret McNamara craft show in DC this fall, and my collection will be exhibited by the Six Foot Gallery in Glasgow, Scotland. Additionally some of my work can currently be found at the Earrings Galore exhibition at the Heidi Lowe Gallery in Delaware.

9. If someone wants to purchase a piece from you (away from the show) what is the best way for them to contact you?

Come and see me at my beautiful studio that I share with two other jewelers and a painter in downtown DC! We are located at 923 F Street, NW, near Gallery Place Chinatown Metro station. You can look up my work at denisapiatti.com, or contact me directly at info@denisapiatti.com.

Save the Date!

"Many a night I saw the Pleiads. Rising through the mellow shade, glitter like a swarm of fireflies tangled in a silver braid." - From Locksley Hall by Alfred Lord Tennyson

Pleiades is made up of a core group of women jewelry/metals artists and a changing roster of guest artists for each year's November show.

Pleiades was formed in 1985 by 7 local women jewelry artists looking for a way to showcase their art and gain recognition. The initial group; Haesun Chung (Meon), Deborah Dubois, Joan Levy, Desiree Midgett, Pat Perito, Judy Sugar and Marie Susinno produced their first show in the Garrett Park Town Hall. Over time the show grew and evolved, eventually moving to the Women’s Club of Bethesda on Old Georgetown Road.

No longer just seven sisters as implied by its constellation namesake, Pleiades has grown to 19 women, primarily all local artists, who create quality hand-crafted jewelry and metalwork. A juried student booth was added to give new student jewelers a mentored opportunity to participate in a retail show. Over time more than 80 artists have participated in Pleiades — all women. The work has included one-of-a-kind silver and gold pieces; with gemstones, dichroic glass, beads, paper and enamels, along with silver flatware, vessels and table sculpture.

The women of Pleiades are represented in numerous private collections and museums, including the Renwick Museum of Contemporary Art and Craft in Washington, D.C.  2014 marks the 29th Anniversary of that first show. Two of the original members, Pat Perito and Judy Sugar, will be joined by members; Cindy Calahan, Sue Garten, Jan Maddox, Jan Mandel, Odaybea Morrow, Carol Oshinsky and guests; Jessica Beels, Rachel Carren, Nella Fischer, Gayle Friedman, Courtney Gillen, Lori Gottlieb, Stacey Krantz, EunJu Lee, Sue Sachs and Sandra Zacharia. Two students, Robin Bass and Denisa Piatti-Funfkirchen will round out this year's collection of talented women. On sabbatical this year are members; Pamela Hill-Byrne, Betty Helen Longhi and Mary Ellen Trozzo.

Please join us November 15-16, 11am-5pm at the Women's Club of Bethesda, 5500 Sonoma Road, Bethesda MD (Just south of the beltway on the corner of Old Georgetown and Sonoma Roads). Admission is free.