Susana Paredes' distinctive artistic style is easily discernible through the vibrant colors and exquisite gradients she uses in her creations.
Renowned for her mokume gane tutorial, "Contours and Blends," this Peruvian artist, now based in the US, operates an Etsy shop primarily selling custom-made graphic jewelry components. This unique approach allows customers to request personalized pieces at their convenience.
In addition to a diverse array of beads, crafted using Susana's signature color-blending technique, her Etsy shop occasionally features exclusive, one-of-a-kind finished designs. “I mostly enjoy creating jewelry components using various techniques, especially mokume gane,” she mentions.
Taking a closer look at Susana’s finished jewelry, we were mesmerized by her remarkable way of creating mixed-media jewelry, combining various materials to produce unique and eclectic pieces. The type of jewelry she creates often incorporates a mix of polymer clay or glass beads, metal findings, wood, ceramics, and other materials the artist buys from other artisans, resulting in designs that are visually interesting and diverse.
“Regarding my creative process, when I get inspiration for a polymer clay piece, like a brooch for example, I usually envision it in my mind and then do a rough drawing on paper to determine the size, shape, and balance I want for the design,” Susana explains.
“Afterwards, I start experimenting with scrap clay to get a better understanding of how to make it in the best way possible, do some adaptations according to my tools, and see how the finished design will look, once I am satisfied with it, I start working on it using the veneers, or canes, and colors blends I had planned at the beginning.”
Considering the design of the earrings, the inspiration comes directly from the components that are available and the artist starts playing with different combinations of beads and findings until she is happy with the color schemes, balance, and weight.
Whether crafting earrings, necklaces, brooches, or hair accessories, Susana's mixed media jewelry invites all artists to explore diverse materials and techniques. The resulting pieces are visually captivating but also bear unique stories and artistic expressions, showcasing the limitless possibilities within the realm of creative jewelry design.
