as a child my playtime centered around being creative. when i was maybe 5 or 6, my mom presented me with a big cardboard box of arts & crafts supplies: crayons, fabric scraps, yarn, paints, paper…she taught me sewing, embroidery, and crochet. after outfitting my barbies and decorating many dollhouses (i can count at least 5), i graduated to people-sized things, but my curiosity for the miniature remained. when i was 15, my aunt taught me bead weaving and i fixated on this technique for awhile, making all kinds of necklaces and earrings.

in high school, a friend showed me a sterling silver ring her mother had made in a workshop. i was amazed and intrigued, but had to tuck this new information away as i was about to begin college. i then pursued a BA in arts administration and discovered my artistic potential through a concentration in studio art. (sculpture and ceramics were my favorites.) i also started thinking about that ring again and became determined to learn metalsmithing. three years later, i started private lessons and soon relocated to seattle from upstate new york to attend the university of washington. for the next two years, i focused on metalsmithing and graduated with a BFA in metal design in 2002. the summer following graduation, i renovated the tiny shed in my backyard into a studio and began working on designs for a line of jewelry. my first pieces evolved from my interests in minimalism, formal elements, japanese pop art, scandinavian design, astronomy, and all things small. then and now i strive to make lovely jewelry with an emphasis on shape, line, thoughtful negative space, light details, and subtle visual movement.

my work can be found in shops and galleries around the u.s., in france and canada, and online at my website and other e-shops, including etsy. in addition, i make one-of-kind studio jewelry, custom and commissioned designs, and wedding rings. i have exhibited in galleries around the u.s., completed an artist residency at vain in seattle, and participated in fashion shows in portland, seattle, and LA. i also teach, lecture, and take classes whenever i can. finally, my sterling silver twig necklace was worn by amy lee of evanescence at the 2004 grammys. pictures can be seen at mtv.com.

i live and work in asheville, nc.

thanks for reading.

.amy tavern