sandra thompson

contact

Phone: 320.295.2051
Email: sthompson@geckogroup.net

 

 

 

 

 

precious metal artist / silversmith

Once you have been exposed to the design and creation of jewelry, you will never view jewelry in the same way. For me, I look at a piece of jewelry and try to determine how it is constructed, how it achieves balance and appeal, and of course, how it could be modified...or just appreciate it for it’s beauty and perfection.

I began my love affair of silversmithing at the Milan Village Arts School some 10 years ago, but did not become truly addicted until I retired in 2000. That passion has been fueled by my interest in traveling, which has opened my eyes to other cultures and the artistic implementation of the precious and non-precious metals and stones of their land.

Sparked by my Norwegian heritage, I began to explore the technique of knitting with Fine Silver wire, a method used by the Vikings as early as 800 A.D. There has been a recent resurgence of interest in the Viking Knit technique and it has been exciting to see students from afar seek out these classes at the Arts School.

I like to explore and learn many other jewelry techniques and have not yet been satisfied to settle in one area of interest. Chain-making is challenging for me because of the countless choices of patterns and also because I can do so while I am on the road. My winters are spent in Arizona where I participate in an exceptional silver program with seasoned artisans who coach and instruct me. I love to do casting with the Lost Wax Process and that consumes most of my time there, but I also do fabrication and the setting of precious and semi-precious stone.

Jewelry making has endless possibilities and I find that there is no better way to promote that love and interest than to share it with others. Join me a the Milan Village Arts School...you won’t find a more congenial and encouraging community of enthusiasts.

 

Milan Village Arts School thanks the Southwest Minnesota Initiative Foundation for financial assistance in building this web site. Learn more about the Southwest Minnesota Initiative Foundation.