artist statement

Karen Joy Jewelry was established in 2005 by Karen and Sophia Gill, a mother and daughter duo. Our intention is to create unusual, well-constructed, handcrafted jewelry.

Karen Gill
Being an award winning graphic designer for 30 years, my adventure into jewelry design and metal arts began six years ago on a quest for a hat pin. With beads found in a jewelry box and some feathers lying around, the first few pins were made. Since then I have explored beading, wire-wrapping, and metal work which has become my passion.

Many things inspire me — nature, different cultures, art, a shell laying on the beach, a kite gliding in the sky, the curve of a smile. My eyes are constantly seeing the beauty all around us. I call on these “sightings” as I create.

Fascinated with shape, form, texture, and contrast, I work in silver, copper, bronze, nu-gold, and German silver. Hammers are my favorite tools, transforming a hard, flat sheet of metal into a lovely, flowing contour simply delights me. Etching allows me to draw intricate patterns into the metal, adding interest and texture to my designs. The contrast of highly polished and textured matte finishes next to one another add dimension and a playfulness of light. Gemstones, pearls, and crystals contribute a vast array of color possibilities.

I have studied design and metal arts at Kennedy-King College (Chicago), Columbia College (Chicago), The School of the Art Institute of Chicago, American Academy of Art (Chicago), Lincoln Park Cultural Center (Chicago), Lill Street Art Center (Chicago), Greenbreir Park District (Chicago), Revere Academy of Jewelry Arts (San Francisco, CA) and with master metalsmith, Bettye Helen Longhi (North Carolina). Graphic design and art direction has been my profession for more than twenty years.

I thank God for directing me down this path of beauty, creativity, and craft and for the wonderful people who have encouraged, taught, and shopped with me. Since making that first hat pin — I have found joy and peace while working at my bench hand crafting jewelry. It is my hope that the wearer of my art will find the same while wearing it.

Sophia-Helene Gill, DVM
The healing properties of gemstones inspire me to create beautiful jewelry that I hope brings joy to your spirit.