Jennifer Kashuck

Bio
Jennifer Kashuck designs jewelry from her home in Cambridge MA, to where she has recently moved from Portland, OR.  She has been happily making jewelry since high school when a friend showed her how to make her first daisy chain.  In addition to taking commissions, she has displayed at numerous craft fairs, festivals and galleries around the country.  Recently she has started doing metal work and intends to continue practicing this art form.  In addition to making jewelry she works in a fine jewelry store in downtown Boston.

Statement

I am influenced by the concept of reincarnation.  The beads I use come from a wide variety of sources.  Many of them are already made into jewelry.  I take things apart and give them a new life.  I like the idea that the materials I’m using are infused with a history and energy collected from previous configurations, surroundings and situations.  I like that I am continuing this life and creating positive change.  This is symbolic to me.  The journey I take through the making of a piece is also metaphorical to me.  When unexpected twists, turns and difficulties happen along the way, I strive to figure my way through difficulty with patience and listen to what the piece is telling me to do.

Inspiration comes from many sources as well.  Sometimes it comes from something I’ve seen or experienced.  Sometimes I spend time with the beads and wait for them to tell me how to put them together.  Sometimes I don’t know where inspiration for a design comes from.  You will see a wide range of style in the body of my work.

Decorating our bodies is a very personal and powerful means to self expression and I am happy to know that I may be helping someone to show the world who they are.