Featured Artist Sheran M. Simo

I come from a long line of artistic personalities, most notably my father who was the Celtic Craftsman (silversmith, leatherworker, metallurgist, and woodworker) prior to his death.  In high school and early college, I had learned the arts of silversmith, leatherwork and lapidary and created and sold macramé jewelry.  Years and three children later, I’m returning to the crafts.
Professionally, I am a Family Nurse Practitioner.  In my heart and when I’m not seeing patients, I am an independent female jewelry designer, just coming into my own comfort with metals and gemstones.  I started making jewelry for myself because I couldn’t find what I wanted in the stores.  I wasn’t happy with the quality or materials being used.  As a birthday present to myself three years ago, I went out and bought everything I could think of to start creating jewelry.  One of my co-workers liked what I’d made and bought the set right off my neck and ears!  The rest is history.  My most ardent supporters and customers are other professional women, and I sell more to my co-workers than anyone else!
I started with beaded jewelry, creating “Beauty in Beaded Creations,” and last year trained with an incredible wire wrap artist in Chicago, Illinois.  The first piece I made won First Place in 3D Design in the Central Indiana Artists Spring Art Show.  I’m very proud of that work, have gone on to create many more, but that piece will always have a special place in my heart.  In the last three weeks, I’ve begun to experiment with chain maille jewelry and have had some success selling the pieces I’m creating.
As if this isn’t enough, I plan to return to school in the Fall (2009) and work towards a Bachelor’s in Fine Arts in Metals.  My hope is to transition from the medical field to designing and creating jewelry full time.  I am at peace when I am designing and creating.

Tags: artistic, beaded, chainmaille, jewelry, wirewrap

Posted in Handmade Harbor