Name: Xelani Luz
Email: @moonchld
Address: 1570 North St. Apt. 24
Santa Rosa, Ca 95404
I am 16 years old. my parents own a beadwork shop in Guatemala,
where I grew up. they export throughout the world. my mother
first taught me basic methods of wire wrapping. i have taught
myself how to make necklaces and bracelets (chain and wire
wrapping) and other basic methods. my main frustration is that I
feel that I have reached the point that I need to know more
aboutit all. my ambition is to travel the world using jewelry
making as a means of livelihood. I really enjoy making jewelry and
the look onpeoples faces when I show it to them. I am currently
living in Santa Rosa completing my last year of highschool.
after highschool, I think that I either want to go to the Revere
Academy of Jewelry Arts, or else go to Tasco, Mexico. many
jewelry makers have raved about it. Any info or help that anyone
can give me will be greatly appreciated. thank you.
Welcome Xelani - In the meantime, while you’re waiting to go to
faraway distant places, you might also check out the jewelry
classes at Santa Rosa Junior College. There was some rumor that
Jack Da Silva might be teaching there this year on an interim
basis until they find a new department head; if so, you would
look long and hard to find a better teacher. He’s absolutely
fantastic.
Xelani - I haven’t seen any direct response to you about your
question so here’s my two cents worth - I’ve indicated before
that I have a very high regard for Alan Revere’s school in San
Francisco - and that’s very close to Santa Rosa. At 16 (if I’m
remembering correctly) youstill have lots of time for your
education. I would recommend that you complete that course
first ( you can do it within about 6 months) and then go to
Taxco if you wish - there is also a great jewelry program at
Santa Clara del Cobre - I missed a trip there taken by some of
our local San Diegans this past summer but the reports were
wonderful!! - There is an article about Santa Clara in the
spring issue of Metalsmith magazine. While the article covers
the beautiful copper cauldrons and other vessels, there is a
school at which they teach all forms of metalsmithing, I
believe. To me, it only makes sense to discover what
metalsmithing techniques are used here, as long as you are here,
and you will then have a basis to compare techniques used in
Mexico or elsewhere and adopt for yourself what you find useful
and appealing.