VALERIE JO COULSON Valerie Jo Coulson is an American designer whose brand is strongly defined by her personality and philosophy. Coulson majored in Fine Arts with three semesters in jewellery making and recognized quickly that this was the medium for her expression. She has worked as an independent studio jewellery artist since 1979.
All of her pieces, unique as they are, have strong emotional and literary connections and are created first and foremost for herself, but “within the context of communicating a collective consciousness. ” “By the age of nine, I was well on into my immersion in the arts and cognizant of its power and importance to humanity. At the time, reading Irving Stone’s The Agony and the Ecstasy, life of Michelangelo, I experienced what I might describe as an epiphany, compelling me to proclaim that I was going to live my life as an artist. My work in essence is a visual biography, steeped in existential contemplations synchronically with history and events which inform, inspire and perplex me.” Collectors of her jewellery would appreciate the unique and stunning aesthetic of each piece all the more if they are aware of the narrative behind it. They would also relate to it subliminally.
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www.valeriejocoulson.com
“The defining thread of my beliefs and transcription through my work is woven within the philosophy of Sacred Geometry... the interconnectedness and inseparability of the part from the whole. Geometries are the archetypes of a universal language that describes the seen and unseen order of nature and the cosmos; rhythms and cycles, relationship of form, movement, space and time. I believe this is an intrinsic narrative which resonates through energies/vibrations. Aesthetically and no less paramount, is beauty manifested through symmetry and order. My father in his tutelage often said to me ‘simplicity is beauty’.”
Coulson’s traditional fabrication methods and the prolific and intricate use of stone inlay, as well as her choice of materials make a strong visual impact. “I like to refer to them as ‘Character stones’, because each has its own script and unique reveal. My heart beats a little faster when I look at stones that have a chatoyant effect (from the French verb “chatoyer” meaning to shine like a cat’s eye): Opal, Tiger Iron/Tiger’s Eye, Rutilated Quartz, Moonstone. They are also the most difficult to inlay as the orientation and cutting is crucial to optimize the beauty, the play of light. The architecture of the jewel is configured via traditional, time honored metal working techniques of fabrication and forming. This structure or bridgework creates the windows or compartments within which to inlay the stone. In this methodology, I can create sculptural form and painterly canvas utilizing a modicum of these precious materials. This is integral to me in a spiritual connection to the land. The entirety of the work is by my own hands, with the exception of several pieces in the last couple of years incorporating elements which are 3D printed and cast such as the linkages for the Concatenation d’etoiles necklace.” Each Coulson piece is striking in its own way, inspired as it is by specific events, moods or other works of art, yet at the same time the artist’s signature style throughout the collection is unmistakable. Clients are primarily collectors who buy specifically the Valerie Jo Coulson creation as well as what is ultimately a statement piece of wearable art.
