​Suzy Williamson

Bend, Oregon

 

My career as a metalsmith began in my early 20’s. Trained as a dental technician, I learned the fundamentals of working with precious metals. After moving to Alaska in the 1990’s, I began taking metalsmithing classes – these were the launch pad for my inspiration to create fine jewelry. Since relocating back to Central Oregon in 2000, I have continued to further my education in metalwork and jewelry design. Twenty years of working in the field of architecture helped me develop and refine my creative ideas, as well as gather inspiration from architectural design and geometric forms. I am also drawn to organic textures, and often combine crisp geometric lines with rough and weathered patterns, providing a common theme throughout my work. I use a variety of metals including silver, gold, copper and brass. Metals are textured by roll printing, etching and hammering; I create dimension by hydraulic pressing, riveting or constructing hollow forms. Most of my designs include accents of freshwater pearls or stones such as garnets, sapphires and citrine. Since 2011 I have been fortunate enough to focus my time exclusively on creating jewelry. My home studio in Bend, Oregon, was built on the edge of a lava flow, which provides daily creative inspiration.