Glass Bead process:
This art form is known in the past as" lamplighting," and is now more
commonly referred to as "lampworking." Moretti glass is heated in an open
flame to a molten state and wrapped around a metal rod (mandrel) which
forms the hole in the middle of the bead. The bead is then placed into a kiln
and slowly cooled overnight, a process called annealing.
I didn't realize it, but I was on a search for the perfect medium. After
studying in Venice one summer it became apparent that glass was what I
was searching for. -Laura
This art form is known in the past as" lamplighting," and is now more
commonly referred to as "lampworking." Moretti glass is heated in an open
flame to a molten state and wrapped around a metal rod (mandrel) which
forms the hole in the middle of the bead. The bead is then placed into a kiln
and slowly cooled overnight, a process called annealing.
I didn't realize it, but I was on a search for the perfect medium. After
studying in Venice one summer it became apparent that glass was what I
was searching for. -Laura
Articles by
Laura C. Wells:
Laura C. Wells:
Christensen Studio, a San Diego jewelry company owned and operated by former architectural designer
Laura C. Wells, crafts handmade, inspired, yet unpredictable designs in glass, enamel and wire. Each
necklace, ring, earring, and bracelet is the intended accident between one woman’s creative instinct, her
chosen tools, and the irrepressible nature of the materials. By nature of the organic design and process, each
piece is truly unique and can never be reproduced.
As a member of the prestigious Spanish Village in San Diego’s historic Balboa Park, Christensen Studio is
part of a community of over 250 artists from the San Diego region. Christensen Studio jewelry is lovingly sold
throughout California in upscale boutiques, as well as art and craft fairs.
Enameling Process:
Enameling is a technique that is thousands of years old and has been
used by many cultures to adorn many things. Tiny sand like granules of
glass are arranged on a metal object and fired in a kiln until it's
appearance is deep in color and the glass granules have melted
together. Different effects are achieved in the length of time it is fired.
I have always played around with enamels in the glass when lampworking
and it just felt natural to try enamel on copper. I soon became enamored
with the bright colors and their reactions with each other. That magic
moment of seeing it when it comes out of the kiln became and remains to
be dangerously addictive! -Laura
Wire Wrapping:
After visiting an Alexander Calder (renowned American Sculptor) exhibit
at the National Gallery of Art in Washington D.C., Laura Wells
discovered a new passion. She taught herself wire wrapping and
discovered a simple twist of wire, could suggest endless possibilities.
Simplicity of equipment and an adventurous spirit in attacking the unfamiliar or unknown are apt to result in a
primitive and vigorous art. Somehow the primitive is usually much stronger than art in which technique and
flourish abound. - ALEXANDER CALDER
primitive and vigorous art. Somehow the primitive is usually much stronger than art in which technique and
flourish abound. - ALEXANDER CALDER
Thank you for your interest in Christensen Studio Jewelry. Glass, enamel
and wire jewelry are my passions. I believe in organic design; that a large
part of succeeding with an art piece comes from allowing the medium to
express itself naturally. My job as the crafter is to know when to give, and
when to give room. My favorite moments are those when the natural
process, the drip of glass, the unexpected color as enamel reacts in the
kiln, creates magic, and materials become jewelry. That which was once
just a possibility, a potential made up of singular ingredients, is now
changed. It has new meaning and a new story to tell. In this way I am a
conduit for the story. I create an opportunity for meaning beyond simple
creation. A new jewelry design is the outline of a map, and the memories,
the real treasures, are then made by the women who feel called to wear a
particular design. Like all things created by artists, there is influence that
comes from their personal background that flavors their work. Mine comes
from family ties to Alaska and travels to Europe and Australia.
and wire jewelry are my passions. I believe in organic design; that a large
part of succeeding with an art piece comes from allowing the medium to
express itself naturally. My job as the crafter is to know when to give, and
when to give room. My favorite moments are those when the natural
process, the drip of glass, the unexpected color as enamel reacts in the
kiln, creates magic, and materials become jewelry. That which was once
just a possibility, a potential made up of singular ingredients, is now
changed. It has new meaning and a new story to tell. In this way I am a
conduit for the story. I create an opportunity for meaning beyond simple
creation. A new jewelry design is the outline of a map, and the memories,
the real treasures, are then made by the women who feel called to wear a
particular design. Like all things created by artists, there is influence that
comes from their personal background that flavors their work. Mine comes
from family ties to Alaska and travels to Europe and Australia.
Artist Statement:
Copper wire wrapping paired with stunning glass beads, enamel pendants and natural stone has led to the
signature Christensen Studio look. These materials combine in a multitude of ways, and through them, Laura C.
Wells continually strives to think outside the box with her jewelry designs.
signature Christensen Studio look. These materials combine in a multitude of ways, and through them, Laura C.
Wells continually strives to think outside the box with her jewelry designs.
Artists should always think of themselves as cosmic instruments for storytelling. - Ted Lange
