Linette Arakawa

What is sea glass?They are glass fragments that over many years have been churned through the shore break until their edges are soft and their surfaces are smooth.Scattered along the shoreline, their inviting hues of aqua, green, white and occasionally cobalt blue resemble rare precious gems waiting to be gathered. Often clues to their past remain – numbers…letters…patterns…remnants of yesteryear. Their stories remain secret and their allure irresistible.After cleaning and sorting the glass by size and color, I study each piece for design possibilities. Because each weathered shard travels its own journey and no two are replicated, finding contemporary pairs for earrings and specific shapes for pendants and brooches requires diligence.The soothing ebb and flow of ocean tides resonate as I imbue each of my creations with the changing rhythms of the sea. I bend sterling silver and gold-filled wire by hand and intuitively explore ways to form them into gentle flowing currents. Glistening beads are then added to echo the whisper of sea foam against the shore.Working with each distinctive glass piece poses a new challenge. The finished piece is as unique as the woman who wears it and light subtly captured by the wires and beads reflect her femininity and spirit!