By
Deborah Wilson
A celebration of female energy and creativity!
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In January 2010 at my Vernon based studio, a number of lady friends and acquaintances responded to my call for a workshop to learn the art of gemstone carving. The participants had never carved gemstones before, all are practicing artists in different media, one a jewellery maker.
They came away with a new appreciation of what it means to transform a slab of nephrite jade for example, into a timeless wearable piece.
Hand Carved White Jade Pendant
In the past few years I have become increasingly aware of the need to encourage more women to experience gemstone carving, specifically jade carving at whatever scale. This means from jewellery projects all the way to Monumental Jade Sculptures.
I am one of a handful of female jade artists on this continent. My mission is to reach out to women in this part of the world, to offer an opportunity to learn a new art form that in several cultures goes back through antiquity.
Fortunately there is a Jade Renaissance that is occurring slowly in the American cultural landscape. There are an increasing number of events where jade artists can show and sell their work.
I invite you to my website where there is contact to me for more information on scheduling workshops in the coming months.
An incentive to those interested by including 2 other women, will be offered in the way of reduced workshop fees.
Hand Working Jade on Point Carver Jade Sculpture
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