Riki Schumacher

My three categories of work are currently: Relics, Precious Metal, and Resin. Very often I include some from each category into my creations. It is exciting to discover an old found object, and transform it into a wearable piece of art, while adding mixed metals, or other materials to it. And, sculpting a one of a kind piece from precious metal clay and adding 24k gold is exciting, giving it a warm patina rinse so it looks like a treasure discovered from an ancient dig. Resin allows me to enclose various items encased for all time, giving the object a permanent home and a new purpose in the form of art jewelry.

I love to create jewelry that people can connect with. Whether the piece includes gems, or words, or just the overall metals, all components involved are important. Creativity flows if you open your heart, and get your brain out of the way. I work at that everyday. Another source for inspiration is studying with talented people all over North America. I have been fortunate enough to study with generous people, opening their hearts and talents to others. My studies have taken me anywhere from Phoenix to France. I have been making jewelry for over ten years now, and continue to learn new processes and techniques that allow me to shape and build pieces for others to enjoy.

I was born into a small Kansas family in the 50's. My passions as a child were animals, nature and art. I loved drawing and painting animals and nature. Now, as an adult, my passion is carried forward, and nature gives me hints of wonderful ways to create jewelry today.

My mission is continuing to learn, grow, and create unique wearable art. I live in two places, which are constant inspirations to me, the San Juan Islands in Washington in the summer, and the central coast of California in the winter. How could these two beautiful places not inspire?