Berkshire Creations, Little Rock, AR
Deitra Blackwell, Artist and Musician
I am a metalsmith who enjoys making jewelry in sterling silver, brass and copper. I seem to be drawn to organic shapes particularly sea creatures, leaves, flowers, butterflies, and birds. As Sylvie Rosenthal says, "I think that animals and plants deserve a place in our world. I enjoy celebrating that place." My other major influences come from David Clemons and Helen Shirk. I take metalsmithing classes from David Clemons at UALR and love fabricating jewelry from copper, brass and sterling silver. I am currently exploring abstract forms as well as my favorite organic forms. The techniques I can now use are frustrating when I struggle with them, but magical when they work!
This is a new phase of my life journey, since I have a master's degree in music and have been a teacher, performer and church musician for many years. I am continually surprised by the differences and similarities in musical and visual arts. The latest development in my new career is that I now have pieces in the Ketz Art Gallery in North Little Rock, Arkansas.
I have lived in Little Rock, Arkansas for nearly 35 years, and am also a wife and mother of two young adults.
