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'Wearable Art' is the most natural description for the handcrafted jewellery of St. Catharines artist Sandra Klein. In her own words:
"In creating my jewellery, I view various pieces as my palette from which to produce works of art. I use these objects as the means to 'paint a picture. The appeal is that they can be displayed in a space, as well as on a person. I think they truly can be considered 'Wearable Art'.
"My passion for the arts, fashion and design has always played an important role in my life, and my work draws on my sense of what is current in these fields. My interest in beaded jewellery began with my travels through the U.S. Southwest. The colours, light, and fabulous array of stones availble was very exciting and started the creative juices flowing. I still find it enormously rewarding to go and bring back a little of that magic.
"When I saw four labradorite stones, I immediately pictured what I would do with them. Often translating from the mind's eye into the finished obejct is a turbulent journey, but I am well pleased with the turquoise collar that emerged. (See image at Jewellery section of this web site)
"Kyanite is a semi-precious stone said to have truth-telling properties. Beware the wearer !!! I love the beauty, sheen and shape of these crystal-like, striated stones and this necklace (see Jewellery section) shows off quite well with silver and crystal beads.
"Agate stones come in a variety and wide array of colour, patterns and shapes and I use them extensively in my jewellery. In one necklace (on display) a black-striped stone sits atop a bed of burgundy beads, and, to me, seems to have a medieval look. Another necklace has the semblance of layers of earth, with a stone found beneath it topped with 'jewels'.
"For two pair of earrings (on display), the triangular, beaded shapes, dangling from semi-precious stones, shimmer on the ears of the wearer."
Sandra Klein, originally from Montreal, has lived and worked in various parts of Canada and the United States, and has travelled extensively. For the last 10 years, she has made her home in the Niagara region. Sandra has been handcrafting items -- woven, knitted and beaded -- for as long as she can remember. Currently, she concentrates her talents on beaded jewellery. The pieces are made using semi-precious stones, crystal, wood, glass beads, and ceramics. She is always on the hunt for interesting and uncommon 'finds' to craft into jewellery.
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