Artist's Page
by Karen Luther
Karen Luther Artist Statement and Biography
I have been an artist all of my life, drawing, painting, making and crafting things by hand. I took extensive classes in high school and college in the arts. While in college at UNM and Buffalo State I took classes in jewelry making and fell in love with the craft. After graduating in 1994 with a BA in Anthropology I continued to make jewelry eventually setting up my workshop and selling my pieces at local art fairs and galleries. My jewelry pieces are mostly one of a kind and totally hand made from the clasps on necklaces to the finely crafted chains. My designs are based on ancient pieces with historical significance and spiritual value. I continually use my background in Anthropology and love of other cultures to create my jewelry. Right now I specialize in handcrafted chains and have taught workshops on certain styles. My work is currently shown in galleries throughout New Mexico and I always participate in a number of art shows each year. I continually strive to challenge myself as an artist and craftsperson by creating new and exquisite pieces. I also believe that the metals and stones I use, which come from the earth, have healing properties that in addition to being beautiful are also beneficial to the wearer. Except for two classes in college I am otherwise self taught, from books and by trial and error. In addition to jewelry making I also paint, sew, knit, make goat cheese, raise two young boys and try to practice self sufficiency with my partner on a small farm in the beautiful Pojoaque Valley of New Mexico.