Leigh Griffin
The Journey to Jewelry
I was a flight attendant for many years before my interest turned to creating jewelry. My travels took me to several new and exotic places. I loved seeking out art galleries, museums and places of natural beauty and wonder. Little did I know that I was absorbing bits and pieces of my experiences and developing the background for my artistic expression. I believe that is why my work is quite eclectic. My inspiration comes from within. It is just there, waiting to be discovered.
I studied with a Master Goldsmith from Germany. Everything was completely hands-on. This is where I learned to use hand tools, to work with various metals and to appreciate the importance of creating from the ground up. I carry this with me today. Each piece is a unique one-of-a-kind creation. My Joy comes from the process of drawing out an idea on paper and then putting it together. My Satisfaction is in refining and finishing the piece. My hope is that the one who wears it will love it and feel blessed with positive energy.
ARTISTIC PROCESS
Each piece of my jewelry is a hands-on, one-of-a-kind creation. I am interested in metallurgy. Therefore, I alloy metals making different variations of gold, silver, and copper. Texture is important in my work. I spend time fusing, acid etching, weaving, forging, and rolling metals into sheets that I can later use in my pieces. Gemstones are an inspiration to my work. I hope to do creative justice in design for what was made beautiful in nature.
Recently I have learned torch enameling and have been collaborating with my husband, Allen Hoss. I develop the enameling and metal work and he draws with graphite and paints designs on the enamel.
Creating hand crafted art jewelry has been and will remain an ongoing exploration of materials, craft and design that brings me Joy and I Hope shares a Love of the work with those that choose to make it their own.
