Sage Necklace

I've been thinking a lot lately on the topic(s) of inspiration and integrity.  The longer I'm a metalsmith, photographer and writer, the deeper I realize creative work is about belonging.  It's about being at home in my skin, in my ecosystem, in this landscape.  If I don't belong here in these places, how can I draw on these places for inspiration and create with any degree of integrity?  It would feel like theft, to me, to take inspiration from a place without being in relationship with it.

I tend to believe that creative work is as simple as coming home to yourself and coming home to a place...and belonging there in balanced relationships with the rivers, the air, the soil, and your very own cells and sinews.  Creative work begins with the simple understanding of place and the relief and joy of belonging.

What I'm doing here is about seeking understanding, devotion, exultation, discipline, observation,seamless integration of life and work and, of course, the greatest thing of all: giving.

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I've been working on this series for years.  I've incorporated sagebrush motifs into my designs time and time again and always loved the results but have kept on striving to capture the plant better.  The resulting designs have a sense of resilience I've never been able to render into my work in past designs.  These necklaces have grace and grit and mystery, just like the everlasting steppe country I belong to here in Idaho.  I'm honored to be offering a translation of the spirit of the country I call home in sterling silver.  That's the best word for it, really...it's an honor.

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Heavy and enduring sterling silver construction makes for some lovely Western elegance.

Chain length: 30 inches
Pendant dimensions: about 2x1.5 inches

+Built To Last+
+Made With Love+
+Of The West+