| Her carefully handcrafted, the jewelry incorporates elements such as Kumihimo, a Japanese weaving technique, original glass beads, gemstones and fabricated metals:
Kumihimo
Kumihimo is a Japanese word meaning braided cord. The art of Kumihimo is ancient, dating back to the early 4th century. It was during the Kamakura period in Japan that the warrior class Samurai became influential and the demand for armor significantly increased. A samurai’s armor contained many lacquered iron plates, which were joined by Kumihimo – braided ribbons. A suit of armor required 280-300 yards of braid. Kumihimo was both decorative and functional. The braids held the armor together; provided flexibility; added padding; and the colors and patterns identified the rank and affiliation of the individual. As a modern designer, Leigh highlights the beauty of braided cords in her contemporary jewelry.
Glass Beadmaking (Lampworking)
The art of beadmaking is an ancient process that involves wrapping molten glass around a stainless steel rod called a mandrel. Each bead is uniquely formed by layering different colors of glass and special materials and forming it into a desired shape. As a contemporary bead maker, Leigh finds that the technique is limited only by her imagination and willingness to experiment.
Metalsmithing
Metalworking dates back to many different ancient civilizations. Modern metalworking processes are generally divided into 3 categories: forming, cutting and joining. Metalsmith jewelry can involve 1 or more of these processes. Leigh uses metal jewelry techniques to construct and shape metal into exquisitely beautiful and unique pieces.
Leigh loves combining the softness of the Kumihimo fiber with the hardness of the glass, metal or gems to produce a yin-yang quality. In Chinese philosophy, yin-yang are complementary opposites within a greater whole.
Leigh graduated with a degree in Art Therapy from the University of Missouri-Columbia. Being a relatively new field, there were no art therapy positions available in the St Louis area, so Leigh began a career in vocational assessment where she worked for over 30 years. Never losing sight of her love – art – several years before retirement, Leigh started entering her jewelry in local juried art shows. Today, Leigh is an award winning artist who exhibits at fine art, design and gallery shows where she is gaining a reputation for innovation and originality. Her custom designs have excited private jewelry collectors.
Two concepts, an appreciation for beauty and individuality, have had the greatest influence on what Leigh does and who she is. They have shaped the way Leigh looks at the world and helped her to grow as a person and an artist. A passion for art, architecture, fashion and travel has inspired her designs. “To me, beauty stems from the selection, arrangement and weaving of colors in each piece of jewelry I design. My unique style allows me to create works that I am happy to share with others.” Each design is a work of art, an elegant personal adornment.
To see more of Leigh's artwork visit her website: www.leighrobertsdesigns.com |
