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Artist Statement
Since 2004, my work in jewelry design and creation has slowly evolved from part-time hobby to full-time business. On my first attempt with metal clay I set out to make a finished size five ring and came out with a size nine. The phrase “it’s so ugly, it’s beautiful” certainly applied with visible fingernail gouges everywhere and horrible texture, but I still adore it, as it was the beginning.
Today, I explore my passion for moving people with the power of expression and communication articulated through simple, organic, & contemporary visual pieces as well as written sentiments. Take for example, my Binary Zen Line, where I have created a way to add messages or initials to pieces without revealing obvious letters or words. The inspiration for this line came when dreaming up different ways to say “Zen” on a kitchen backsplash.
Ultimately, I work to create modern jewelry that just looks and feels wonderful. I see jewelry as a powerful expression of beauty, poise & charisma but never take myself so seriously that it shouldn’t be playful.
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Bio
Jo grew up under the watchful artistic eye of her father, Pete Martin (a graphic illustrator by trade and an avid fine artist in life) who influenced her exposure to what she calls “art”. She's speaking of art in all forms, from old jazz records and cartoon cells, to French Impressionists and graphically designed posters of "french fries". She was provided both intrinsic and learned tools, which enabled her to express herself. It has always been a passionate part of who she is to share her vision of art.
Her professional background thus far has been in sales, both retail and hotel, mostly in Albuquerque, NM, but she spent a few years in Telluride, Colorado. Currently, she is drawing new inspiration from her surroundings in Durango, Colorado. Jo has essentially been "selling herself” for over 17 years, so within this last year she has jumped feet first and full time into creating an opportunity to realize a longtime dream and sell something that would be more of an extension of herself…something she could truly be passionate about …her own jewelry designs and business.
Both in jewelry and music, her pieces are produced from dreams, love, fear, pain, compassion and laughter and fashioned to be a connection for whom they are created. She loves to personalize gifts and has been doing this since a very young age. She incorporates this inherent trait in her day-to-day business and still enjoys seeing its affects on her clients today. Her medium of choice is PMC and she specializes in quality custom design and messaging, with attention to detail. Jo loves to incorporate ˝ drilled cultured black Akoya Pearls, beautiful Swarovski Crystal Pearls in many warm colors, Opals, and applied patinas for gorgeous contrasts. Lastly, she is always educating herself and perfecting new techniques so check back often.
Please visit her dad's thumbnail gallery to learn more about him!
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Proud Member of the PMC GUILD
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