Alison Morse
Born: 1990, Washington State

Making things with my hands has been my passion since childhood. I began by making miniatures for my dollhouse, turning anything I could get my hands on into furnishings. Growing up nestled by the trees and the constant patter of rain between the Cascade and Olympic Mountains in Western Washington, spending time outdoors surrounded by the bounty of a thriving garden, I developed a love of nature and living things. Creating continued to be a part of my life through cooking, sewing, music, and jewelry-making. I decided to attend a university that offered jewelry and small metals program where I expanded my techniques and learned new skills. Humboldt State University and the foggy Northern California coast fed my love for nature.

The idea of creating lasting beauty that will outlive me has always enchanted me. Looking at things left behind from past generations is a constant source of inspiration. Going to antique shops, estate sales or garage sales was a regular part of my childhood. I majored in art history and traveled to Greece where I saw even older treasures. Back in California, I worked in a historical museum where each piece I cared for felt like I was bringing something back to life.

Fabricating jewelry out of a lasting material like metal comes with the expectation that it will be passed on and treasured. I make these objects and let them go. I wonder who will wear them or where they will be when I am long gone. Each piece is hand fabricated at my home studio in Santa Rosa, California, using traditional silversmithing techniques; sawing, filing, and soldering metal sheet and wire into a wearable object. I like to incorporate found objects from nature, such as seeds and shells with hand chosen items like gemstone and beads. I am always looking to take my work in new directions, honing my skills as a craftsperson, as I figure out what it means to be an artist.