About
I was born and raised in Evanston, Illinois and am a graduate of Northwestern University. I am a current board member of Yosemite Sierra Artists, co-curator of the annual Visions of Self competition for female artists across the world, and owner/curator of MettaGallery.
The Backstory
I’ve been a creative my whole life and have expressed it through writing, photography, music. I love learning new things, especially where you can create out of thin air and imagination!
2001 was a difficult year for me. I had embraced a career in Internet development, and at the time the industry’s “bubble burst.” I was struggling as a single mother, but luckily had the support of friends and family. That year I lost my best friend, Joanne, to suicide. Then came 9/11. It was devastating.
Several years later I reconnected with Joanne’s older sister Suzhanna, and we struck up a deep friendship, sharing our grief and accomplishments, as well. Sue told me that she had turned to art and jewelrymaking to help her “surface” and heal from the extreme trauma of losing a loved one in this way. She would visit often, share her beads and supplies, and taught me the basics. We would talk and create and talk and heal. Then one morning I got a call from Sue & Joanne’s brother who told me that Sue had had a sudden medical event, was on life support, and the family was going to terminate. I felt my life had crashed, yet again. I put away all my jewelry supplies and couldn’t even look at them.
Fast forward to 2020 when we were all quarantined due to Covid: I felt a need to create again, and a little voice (or two) in my head said to get out the jewelry supplies and start making. I did so, and found a comfort in the process even if I was now doing it alone. I know that when I’m in my studio Joanne and Suzhanna are there with me. And sometimes I even talk to them.
How it’s made
The Metta collection is meticulously handcrafted from repurposed vintage components, crystals from the earth, and vintage SwarovskiTM glass. Pieces will have their original patina and small imperfections from the loving wear of yesteryear. Each piece is a one-of-a-kind creation, honoring our past while also helping heal the earth by recycling.
Metta is a Sanskrit word that means “positive energy and loving kindness towards others”
For commission work, please inqure via email: hi@mettajennifer.com.
