Necklace No. 6 in Print

  from top right, clockwise: 

Nikki Couppee, Katie Poterala, my necklace

Necklace No. 6 from Collected Memories: 1974-Present is part of an article by Michael Dale Bernard in the current Metalsmith magazine. "Material Complexity" describes the use of non-precious, mixed materials in contemporary jewelry and eloquently explains why artists, like myself, are using them. It's a beautiful piece and includes a strong group of artists. 

Michael asked each of us to write a short statement about our work. The following is my statement:

"This necklace is part of the series "Collected Memories: 1974 to Present." By using many different materials collected since childhood, I was able to intertwine events and people from my past that weren't connected until the moment each piece was made. Using my memory as a guide, the pieces were also assembled in such a way as to emphasize the impermanence and incompleteness of memory."

I am very pleased to be in Metalsmith again--it's always exciting to get some good press, especially in the magazine of my field. Then to have been chosen by such a strong maker in Michael and to be amongst such talented artists, makes it even more special. I've listed each person under their photo and included links to their websites. I strongly encourage you to visit each site and Michael's, as well. 

Katja Toporski 

 from top left, clockwise: Laura Wood, Kat Cole, Rachel Timmons

 from top left, clockwise: 

Laritza Garcia, Tara Locklear, Lauren Markley

Thanks for reading.

Some Really Good Press

500 Silver Jewelry Designs

my Line Drawing Brooch and Cluster Necklace are pictured inside

I've been pretty lucky to have gotten some excellent press over the years. My tiny feature in Lucky Magazine in 2004 helped to propel my production jewelry forward, seeing my Twig Collar on Amy Lee at the 2004 Grammys remains one of the most exciting nights for me ever, and it's still hard for me to wrap my head around that Metalsmith cover. I've gotten to do interviews with blogs like Honey Kennedy and Rena Tom, was mentioned on Daily Candy and Design Sponge, and got a nice profile on the American Craft Council website. My work has also been published in some gorgeous books, like 500 Silver Jewelry Designs, New Rings, and Art Jewelry Today 3. I am grateful for each and every bit of press I've received. It's always exciting and still surprises me. I don't often update my press page on my website, but for the archiving purposes I plan to do so soon. In the meantime, I created an album of press highlights on Facebook if you would like to see more.

Amy Lee with her two Grammys and my necklace

Lucky Magazine "Lucky Breaks" feature

My Metalsmith cover

Thanks for reading.