Elaine Luther, artist, writer

I am an artist and writer. I work primarily in metal, creating jewelry, mostly sterling silver and fine silver.

I teach workshops in Precious Metal Clay, Metalsmithing and Patinas.

I write, mostly about jewelry, in national magazines. I also have a blog, All Things Metal Clay, where I write about metal clay, jewelry, business issues, photography for craftspeople, inspiration, techniques, and whatever else seems like something cool I'd like to share.

I also write Squidoo Lenses, you can see them all at my Lensmaster page.

I wrote a Squidoo Lens: PromoteYourArt on why and how you should create a Squidoo Lens about yourself and your art. It was so convincing, I had to write one about myself.

I started making jewelry as a kid, first using parts, old coins, ribbon and glue, and later moving into fishing swivels.

I didn't start my formal training until I was a freshman in college at the University of Iowa, where I got the last spot in the metalsmithing class. Iowa wasn't for me, and I headed back to Chicago, where my college didn't have metals, so I took the train to another college to continue my metals training.

Also while in college, I began teaching metalsmithing, wrote The Jewelry Maker, now available as a free eBook on my webiste, and began studying gemology and appraising.

I studied with the Gemological Institute of America and the International Society of Appraisers, as well as The Jewelry Design Institute, a trade school.

I've worked as an appraiser, as a stone picker in a jewelry factory, and twice as a jeweler's apprentice.

I now work for myself, writing, making art jewelry, and manufacturing and selling tools for the metal clay market.

I have taught metalsmithing for 15 years, and PMC for 10 years.

I teach in Illinois and Indiana. You can see my teaching schedule at my website, CreativeTextureTools.com

Gallery at the Indianapolis Art Center, Indianapolis, Indiana
Lillstreet Gallery, Chicago, Illinois
Gallery I/O, New Orleans, Louisiana

My work has also been featured in Studio PMC. I have been interviewed by Bead and Button, Studio PMC and AJM, American Jewelry Manufacturer.

Why as a matter of fact, I do, thanks for asking. Your local art center or guild is welcome to contact me about setting up a class or speech.

Some of the content on my blog is available for use in guild newsletters.

I have a very small production line. My primary focus is on entering gallery shows, exhibitions and contests and making big show pieces that have meaning beyond just being pretty jewelry.

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(c) 2007 Elaine Luther All Rights Reserved