Art Becomes Them

Today John's work has evolved into a style all its own. "I like to push the Native American designs and techniques toward more simple, modern-looking designs," he says. His pieces can be as simple as pendant earrings that suspend a small piece of brilliant blue or green stone from a silver wire. On other occasions, John will combine a variety of colored stones in a bracelet setting that appears to be a beautiful, smooth, two- or three-toned circle of color, held together by a backing of silver or gold. They bring prices from $100 to $1,000. He notes that the same piece can evoke very different responses in large and small size, so he enjoys playing with scale. "I am always learning," he says.

Terri J. Pilsner

Although she doesn't have any formal training, Terri J. Pilsner has become one of Naples' best-known jewelry artists. Pilsner uses a wire wrap method to create her simple and elegant jewelry and handbags, many of which incorporate a familiar symbol. "I have always been fascinated by the rosary," she explains. "So that shows up in my work."

One of the hallmarks of Pilsner's work is her technique of using beads in wrapped silver wire. Originally she worked with glass beads, then moved into semiprecious and precious stones. Her necklaces are perhaps her best-defined creations. But she also makes earrings and bracelets. Harking back to her rosary-type design, Pilsner usually makes her jewelry of beautiful teardrops of colored-stone beads, set off by gorgeous, detailed metal links and featuring a single, large, cameo-shaped hanging stone. Her works range from $100s to many thousands.

"I make jewelry for children, too," she says. Some of her popular kids' jewelry uses the same elegant design, but in art glass or semiprecious stones, and are scaled down to suit a smaller wearer. The mother of two, she confesses that her own kids have worn jewelry almost since birth. "It's about celebrating life and creativity," she says.

Jeanne R. Workman

Saying that Jeanne R. Workman is a quilter is like saying that Picasso painted pictures. Her unique and self-taught method of quilting imparts a sculptural quality to her work. By layering tiny bits of exquisitely detailed colored and painted fabric, Workman creates shadows and light, depth and weight, perspective and movement. Her quilted designs, which sell for anywhere from several hundred dollars to $8,000, become wallets, vests, jackets and other items. Workman uses cotton fabric, often with batik patterns, to create scenes of undersea worlds, forest settings or other natural wonders.

Workman says creating these works is a kind of worship, filled with the love of nature that brought her to Bokeelia on Pine Island 20 years ago. "Growing up on a farm in Illinois, I learned to appreciate simple living and nature," she says. "As a deeply spiritual person and as a Christian, I found that art was a wonderful way for me to celebrate creation. When I go into my studio, I often say that God and I are going into the studio to play. It is a wonderful blessing."

Artful Shopping:

Susan Drake

434-8500 or www.drakedesigns.net. Her work is on display at Salon Nicholas (2229 First St., Fort Myers).

Alice Epperson

John Epperson

Martha Kendall

Jeanne R. Workman

All available at Wild Child Gallery (4625 Pine Island Road, Matlacha), 283-6006 or www.wildchildartgallery.com.

Ann McKean

571-0508. Her jewelry and handbags are available at Room Interior Philosophy (533 Fifth Ave. S., Naples) and in the von Liebig Art Center gift shop (585 Park St., Naples).

Terri J. Pilsner

821-4246, 417-4612, or

www.tpilsnerjewelry.com. Her work is also available at Sphere (758 12th Ave. S., Naples), where Pilsner has a studio.

Arlene Richards

Lee County Alliance for the Arts (10091 McGregor Blvd., Fort Myers), 239-2787.

Gretchen Wilson

www.emeraldfrog.com.

Tower Gallery (751 Tarpon Bay Road, Sanibel Island), 472-4557.