Susan Mulvey has been a designer/craftsperson in precious metals since 1967. Mostly self-taught, she began her studies at the Brookfield Craft Center, Brookfield, CT, with Helga Manning, where she learned the basics of smithing. Throughout her career she has returned to Brookfield, where she’s taken a variety of seminars, demonstrated & apprenticed; honing her skills & learning new techniques. She’s attended classes with The Gemological Institute of America in stone setting plus jewelry repair, also, Haystack Mountain School of Crafts on Deer Island, ME to study anti-clastic raising with Heiki Seppa. Today Susan resides in Marlow, NH where she maintains a studio/workshop.
Artist’s Statement
“My goal is to create pieces composed of simple, elegant lines. The work is hand wrought, occasionally incorporating cast elements.
Sometimes the shape or color of a stone will inspire a creation. More likely, it is the joy that comes from and through the metal, with the the stone playing a complimentary role. From the hammer, the forging and moving of metal creates shape and form. Added texture contrasts and creates dimension. I ask and cajole a raw form to become something unto itself, or to join with others, each playing an integral part in the formation of a piece.
The view through the opts-visor transports me into the smallest of my worlds, leading me on a path of creative process. I am often lost, yet completely at home, in the minuteness. Sitting at my bench, cruising or wrestling through each piece, is what I do; finding joy in whichever direction the journey takes me.“
Susan’s young apprentices looking cute in the studio.