Artist's Statement
I'm inspired by the sounds of the surf and love the embrace of gentle breezes as I search for sea glass along our shores in Hawaii. To share this joy I transform my discovered treasures into one-of-a-kind expressions and imbue each with nature's rhythms.
These increasingly rare relics of yesteryear enchant me with the intrinsic allure of its hushed hues and its mystery of origin. Often clues to its past remain...parts of words, numbers, and fond familiar patterns, yet its origin remains an engaging secret.
Having traveled its own journey each weathered shard is never replicated in color, size, and shape. This presents a challenge and also an opportunity for unique interpretation. After cleaning and sorting my collection I study the pieces and allow each to reveal design possibilities.
Finding matching pairs for earrings requires diligence and the smooth contours often elude capture as I explore ways to bend argentium silver or 14k gold-filled wire by hand around each piece. Working intuitively I then shape the wire into graceful, expressive curves and spontaneous swirls, and end each with sparkling beads that echo the whisper of sea foam bursting against the shore.
Biography
In 1979 I received my B.F.A. from the University of Hawaii at Manoa. I began creating my sea glass jewelry art in 1989 and in 1995 expanded my work to include metals, freshwater pearls, semi-precious stones and other materials.. In 2003 I received the Best of Jewelry Art Award at the Bayou City Arts Festival in Houston, Texas.
Current Galleries
Britton Gallery, Hale'iwa, Hawai'i
Elements Gallery, Kapa'au, Hawai'i
Hotel Lana'i, Lana'i, Hawai'i
Contact Information and Questions
Questions regarding online purchases and shipment can be answered by eMail at larakawa@mac.com or by phone at (608) 298-3660.
