FAUST Amy

Medium: Jewelry

I started making jewelry in high school and continued through college receiving a Bachelor’s of Fine Arts at the State University of New York at New Paltz in 1984 where I also concentrated in painting. I also attended jewelry classes at the Revere Academy of Jewelry Arts in San Francisco.

I find that working in the jewelry arts allows me to think sculpturally, graphically and painterly. I can also satisfy my desire to make things with my hands as well as use tools such as files and torches.

I love simplicity, color, light subtle texture and the mysterious connection that art has to nature and history. As a visual person I am always Iooking for inspiration from both the natural and urban environments.

I love finding objects, such as beach and bottle glass with hints of writing or design or gorgeous smooth pebbles. Cutting them into specific shapes they resemble gemstones and take on a new precious quality.

Although I have always used recycled materials I am expanding that in an effort to be more conscious of the earth’s welfare. I am now using “Harmony Metals” which are 100% recycled sterling silver and gold. This insures that the metal has not been mined and is produced the most environmentally safe way possible. Most of the glass and pottery I use is either found on the beach or from colorful bottles, often vintage. Any gemstones I use are either taken from old jewelry, hand found and cut locally, or were purchased over one to five years ago and need to be used.

My wish is that each finished piece is ecologically friendly, beautifully made, contemporary, elegant, refreshing to the eye and highly wearable

Additional education and interests:
Board certified (AADP) Integrative Nutrition Counselor since 2011
Certified in Life Coaching for Artists 2006.
Certified basic canine obedience 2004
Two years of private business training with The Entrepreneurial Edge 1996-971
Business graduate of Women’s Initiative for Self Employment 1991

I love art, nature, animals, gardening, hiking, dancing, reading and learning.
I live in the beautiful hills of Oakland CA with my partner David, our Jack Russell Terrier Ella, and our rescued African Grey Parrot, Harvey.