about
Judi has been a resident of Victoria for the past ten years. She has worked as a jewelry maker for over twenty years. She has lived in India, Mozambique, and Dubai which has given her a rich and diverse perspective on design.
Each of these places offered distinct cultural and visual experiences — unique in their textures, colors, and materials — which continue to inform and inspire her creative process. Design in these environments was not just aesthetic but an integral part of everyday life, which is reflected in her work.
While living in Dubai, Judi owned and operated a shop for five years, where she sold her handmade jewelry. In addition to creating, she has also taught jewelry making in small group settings, sharing her skills and passion with others. Today, her work is carried in retail shops and represented in several Art Galleries in the greater Victoria area.
Judi continues to develop her craftsmanship in her home studio, focusing on improving her skills and producing thoughtful, high-quality work.
artist statement
Creating sterling silver jewelry from sheet and wire is a process that blends design, precision, and craftsmanship. It begins with sketching a concept, then preparing the metal so it’s soft and workable. Shapes are cut from silver sheet using a jeweler’s saw, while wire is formed into structural or decorative elements like frames, hooks, or bezels for stones.
The pieces are refined through filing and shaping. Textures can be added with hammers or stamps or by layering the metal to give the surface character.
Components are then joined by soldering them together, where heat bonds the metal into a single form. If gemstones are included, they’re typically set into bezels that securely hold them in place.
To enhance depth and contrast, a patina may be applied, darkening the silver and emphasizing textures. The piece is then polished to achieve the desired finish — whether bright and reflective or softly matte. Finally, any remaining elements like chains or clasps are attached, resulting in a cohesive, handcrafted piece of jewelry.
