lee mcmillan

leesbluepearl@yahoo.com

jewelry artist

Lee McMillan

artist statement

vintage reborn as contemporary...

special memories conveyed in each piece of jewelry art

Lee has been a jewelry artist for more than twelve years.  Her interest began with her love of vintage pieces belonging to her mother.  She observed that gorgeous costume jewelry was not being worn and appreciated primarily because it appeared dated, "too much for jeans and tee shirts" or it was uncomfortable (clip on earrings).  Lee shared some of these feelings.  Hence, she began to remake pieces in her vast collection of vintage jewelry.  This "new" look for "old" pieces brought her and her jewelry much attention.  Orders to re-work Grandma's necklace, earrings, or brooch increased, as did Lee's passion for creating "sentimental jewelry".  Grandma's jewelry is reborn as contemporary necklaces, earrings, and bracelets for mother, daughter, granddaughters, and sisters.  Memories are conveyed in the beauty of one special piece of jewelry.  And yes....these pieces look great with jeans and tee shirts!

Lee has also designed a growing collection that commemorates special moments, events, and people.  This is an artistic path on which she has spent a great deal of love, thought, and effort.  It is a rewarding journey that ties her even more personally to the piece and its recipient.  Babies' anticipated birth announced in a hand forged sterling silver "baby bump", children's birth  months represented by crystals hung in a stylized heart, Grandma's costume jewelry recreated as modern pieces for her daughter and granddaughters.  Memories of love and loss, all held close to the heart, can be conveyed in the beauty of one special piece of jewelry.

While all of Lee's pieces are not custom or connected to sentimentality, they all speak to her in texture and color, and evoke an emotion that she hopes will be experienced by others because of their beauty and workmanship.  Lee's Gemini nature allows her to flit from sparkly and shiny to organic and textural....all expressing Lee and her joy of creating.  Mostly hand forged and fabricated, Lee works in sterling and fine silver, copper and brass.  Some pieces include vintage metal chains.  Many pieces include color infused by natural stones, vintage and/or new crystals, pearls, or custom patinas.  All pieces are infused with Lee's personal and passionate style and character.  Nothing is mass produced.