LEIGH
I’m the metalsmith & jewelry artist behind Leigh Roberts.
There have been two concepts, individuality and the appreciation for beauty, that have had the greatest influence on what I do and who I am. They have shaped the way I look at the world and helped me to grow as a person and as an artist.
Drawing inspiration from the beauty of natural imperfection, I craft striking, highly textural jewelry from fine metals, gemstones, sculpted wax, and real or cast botanicals. The processes of cutting, forging, fusing and fabricating, transforms simple materials into individualized, organic pieces tht are both sculptural and wearable.
My goal is to embrace the rough and flawed over the perfect, by incorporating the unexpected. The idea of Wabi-Sabi, the Japanese aesthetic dealing with acceptance of transience and imperfection, is the seed that grows into my designs. My unique style lets me capture the viewers eye and create an emotional connection with my jewelry.
The Story Behind The Anchor
My father-in-law was a Chief Aviations Boatswain’s Mate in the Navy during WWII.He spent a good portion of his navy time in the lighter-than-air airships or blimps. After the war, he worked as a tool and die maker and because he so loved the navy, he designed and made an anchor stamp to mark his work.
Chief, as he was endearingly called, passed away several years ago. As my husband and I were going through some of his things, we found his anchor stamp. I’m truly honored to have it…he was a great man. I often use Chief’s stamp to mark my work along with my signature (LR) stamp.
Inspiration
What makes me tick…