Tricia Simmons

Golden Raintree Pod with Cerrillos turquoise, silver and turquoise, contact gallery for pricing

Tricia’s Bio:

I grew up in Chicago and lived there until 2006. I went to nursing school, raised 5 children and was active in 4-H and home schooling. I was in many Arts & Crafts Fairs, and was in my first gallery, Artful Gatherings until it closed in 2007.

Small Trumpet Vine Flower w/ Amber Bead, Silver necklace, contact gallery for pricing

I am a PMC Certified Level III Artisan, and have taken classes in Metal work, wirework, pottery and sculpture. I have studied with teachers all over the country including Sherry Fotopoulos, Lauren Tobey, Mary Hettsmanberger, and Robert Dancik and continue to seek out master teachers to improve my skills. In 2006 I moved to Placitas, New Mexico to be with the love of my life, Andrew. We currently reside in Albuquerque. I am in four galleries in the Santa Fe/Albuquerque area, and I work and teach PMC classes in my home studio and art spaces in the community.

Tricia’s Artist Statement:

The Beaded Shelf, copper and beaded necklace, contact gallery for pricing

My love of making jewelry began 15 years ago when I started making ceramic clay jewelry for my Aromatherapy business. Most of my life I have been a craftsperson; working with fabric, needlework, beads, mosaics and clay.

In 2002 I read about PMC (Precious Metal Clay). I started taking classes and experimenting with coating metal clay paste on to shapes of angels, dragonflies and other winged creatures I made from wet newspaper. Then I started experimenting with other organic materials. Taking walks now means also looking for new natural materials. I collect pods, flowers, leaves, seeds and twigs all over the country and transform them into fine silver jewelry.

Long Pod Earrings, Silver, contact gallery for pricing

After coating each piece with 12-15 coats of silver clay paste, it is fired in a kiln at 1290-1650F. The natural material burns away and what is left is fine silver; 0.999. Opening the kiln is exciting, I neveer know what I will find. Sometimes a pod will transform into a new shape, sometimes it needs repairs and occasionally it will “explode” beyond repair. It is quite an alchemical process. The work unfolds itself. Often what I plan turns out to be something totally different. Each item I make is one-of-a-kind with its own energy and story. I improvise with materials, including mixed metals, wire twinging, weaving and looping. I like jewelry that has movement and is fun. I add semi-precious stones, wire, beads, chains, charms and even screws, rivets and brads.