Jody Ochs

My work is hand forged and fabricated in sterling silver, with high karat gold bezels and accents using gem stones and pearls as the focal point. Often architectural in nature – I incorporate masculine and feminine forms together, occasionally adding texture, presenting a delicate balance of yin and yang. My inspiration comes from the nature surrounding me in the beautiful mountains of western North Carolina, and places I travel. This transfers into what I feel are timeless, elegant and fluid, yet organic creations.

A Minnesota native, I began designing and creating jewelry in 1994 by wrapping raw gemstones in gold and silver wire. Next, I taught myself lapidary skills, and began carving my own stones. Seeking more challenge and a way to expand my design ideas, I decided to learn silver smithing – fabrication. I am mostly self-taught, attending weekend workshops when time allows.

My latest work includes spiculums; hollow acicular forms. The spiculums themselves begin as raw flat sheet of sterling silver that is cut into particular shapes. These are formed over a groove on the end grain of a wood block by using a cross-pein hammer on the edge of the metal. The precise blow of the hammer begins to move the metal up and around, creating a hollow form.

At times the seams are soldered and the pieces are then combined with other spiculums and/or gemstones set in hand fabricated 22 karat gold or fine silver bezels. Some of the spiculums are forged in both anti-clastic and synclastic techniques allowing the curves to flow in different directions. Often the seam is not bound with solder in the bracelets, as this allows enough movement in the bracelet to be flexible.