Interview with the artist - Dianne Karg Baron

By N Valentine Studio

Featured artist - Dianne Karg Baron, Ontario, Canada

Dianne Karg Baron does absolutely stunning wire wrapped creations. A gifted artist, her pieces are unique and often have a calming and sensuous flow to them. She likens wire wrapping to drawing with wire and I'd have to agree with her in this case, often her creations take me to another place or remind me of times past. My favorite piece of hers is her Oblong Purple Jade Pendant, the simplicity of the lines draw me into the stunning color of the cabochon.


What is your craft?
I make jewelry, working primarily in precious metal wire.

How long have you been working in your medium?
I've been making wire jewelry for over 15 years now :)

What drew you to this medium?
Truth be told, I fell into it. Being a committed rockhound, I used to walk on the beach and collect rocks. One day I came across one that looked really interesting. It turned out to be beach glass, which really disappointed me. I was about to throw it back when I thought "Hey, this would make a neat piece of jewelry." The only thing I could think of that I could lay my hands on quickly was wire. After I finished that first piece, my mind filled with all kinds of ideas for other pieces, so off I went!

What is your favorite thing about your art?
I love, love, love the variety of work I can produce with it, from bulky and heavy to light and airy.

What's your favorite piece?
Oh gosh, do I have to pick just one? I really like Pendant 8 from the Marquise Series. People see all sorts of different things in the pendant, from an elephant to a moth to a Star Trek symbol. It was quite unintentional - I didn't have anything in particular in mind when I constructed it, and it's always interesting to hear what people think of it.


What's the hardest piece you've ever made?
I made a pair of clasping hands in Viking Knit for a juried competition in 2009. I worked for 3 hours a day, every day, for 4 months to finish it. Unfortunately it didn't get into the show, but it's very definitely a statement piece! LOL


What's the one favorite tool you cannot live without?
Well, I can't do anything without my pliers, but I'm finding, not that I'm of "a certain age", I can't work without my Optivisor. I joke about it being my "tiara". It lets me see things up close which is critical to getting the precision I want in my work.

What's your favorite thing about your workspace or studio?
Oh, the fact that I actually have one! LOL. Years ago, living in an apartment, I used to do all of my work sitting on the floor in my living room. Now that my husband and I own a house, my bench is set up in its own space, and I have added other tools, like a rolling mill. I still end up working in the living room now and again, though! :-D

Who or what inspires you?
Many of my pieces are inspired by nature, Celtic art, or by my life experiences. Although I don't really like "Modernist" art or architecture, the clean lines appeal to me - I'm not a "frilly" type.

What's your favorite inspirational saying?
"There is no failure except in no longer trying. There is no defeat except from within, no really insurmountable barrier save our own fears and insecurities."

What's one thing you've never done you always wanted to do?
I would love to see one of my pieces be included in the collection of a major museum (nothing like setting your sights high, eh?).

Don't forget - it's the SATeam Wrist Candy Holiday Giveaway and you can win a fabulous charm bracelet if you enter until November 28th!
Click here for more info!

The SATeam blog features artisan handmade creations by the etsy starving artists jewelry team. SATeam members create handcrafted jewelry and beads. More information about our team and its current etsy shop owner members can be found at SATEAM.etsy.com.