Romance in Metal - Valerie Ostenak Jewelry
Sometimes I dream about
the gorgeous jewelry created
by Valerie Ostenak.
Her work is so beautiful
it takes my breath away and
sets my unconscious mind
into overdrive.
It's easy to interpret my dreams --
I want to wear this jewelry!
Fluid and flowing designs are
brought to life in metal.
Her collections celebrate
the contours and shapes suggested by all sorts
of complex forms found in nature,
such as raging rivers, swaying branches
and delicate tendrils of flowers.
Also, one can see Art Nouveau
influences in her work.
Her Elemental Collection features
silver, argentium silver, 14k gold, freshwater pearls,
gemstones and Swarovski crystals
in myriad curvilinear designs.
Each piece overflows with movement and energy
and an enchanting play of light on metal.
Skilled as both a blacksmith
and as a metalsmith she combines techniques
from both disciplines
to create this sculptural jewelry.
In her Garland Collection she incorporates
freshwater pearls, glass and/or Swarovski crystals,
silver and/or 14k gold with mild steel.
The steel gives this collection bold
emphasis and structural design.
Her work is an ongoing dialogue between
her blacksmith forging techniques, her
silversmith craftsmanship and her
design skills in art jewelry.
Each is superb.
Much of the charm and beauty of
these pieces lie in the wonderful variations
of form, shape and feel
that this artist offers.
These variations are seen in
her bracelets and earrings also.
But most of all,
this artist infuses her work with
the essence of romance.
And you can't go wrong with Romance.
And you can't go wrong with Romance.
For many more images of this
lovely work you can visit her
Category Article argentium sterling silver, blacksmithing techniques in jewelry, freshwater pearls, gemstones, metalsmithing processes, mild steel, sterling silver, Swarovski crystals, Valerie Ostenak
