Featured Artist: Jill Kollmann

Introducing Jill Kollmann of JKay Jewelry Designs
PCAGOE feature artist for Dec. 9 through Dec. 23
(Her work will be featured on our Facebook page throughout this time period.)

Jill is a polymer artist and jewelry designer from Orange County, California. She is a member of the Orange County Polymer Clay Guild and is our current PCAGOE President. Jill is also the featured polymer clay artist at The Artists’ Studio at The Palos Verdes Art Center. She has most recently been featured in “Polymer Café” with her micro sculpt applique, and occasionally writes for “The Polymer Arts” magazine. She credits her sister with starting her working with polymer. And she attributes learning how to refine techniques and master her skills to other clayers. Jill often incorporates her love of wire techniques into her intricate designs. In her own words, "My work is heavily influenced by stories my grandmother used to tell me about ladies' afternoon tea and "at home" days when callers would be received and entertained. That was back when those sorts of gatherings were dutifully reported in the Society Page of the local newspaper, and always fun to read. When I'm not indulging myself with floral applique, I enjoy a wide range of polymer clay techniques that result in different looks, some more contemporary, and always finished with attention to detail." Her signature Flower Basket Beads exemplify the evolution of her work in this direction.

Jill has been working with polymer clay for over ten years, primarily creating beads, jewelry and treasure boxes. She particularly enjoys making artisan cabochons, which she sells or makes into a finished piece using wire work or seed beading techniques. Jill constantly hones her artistic skills with varied techniques, and her diligence with this wonderful medium shows in the gorgeous focals, beads, jewelry and treasure boxes that can be found in her shop, along with her specialized tutorials.

Find more of Jill's work here:
http://www.etsy.com/shop/jkollmann
http://www.flickr.com/photos/23743478@N05/