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Thursday, 16 August 2007

In 1989, Susan began layering watercolors and rice paper into colorful collages that begged to be taken out of her studio. Her handmade jewelry design business, Perfectly Clear Studio, was born. Perfectly Clear jewelry has been sold in shops and boutiques throughout the country. Notably, her designs were featured by Mary Matalin and Jane Wallace on CNBC’s popular program “Equal Time”. Other wearers of Susan's work include Elizabeth Dole, Anne Graham Lotz, and her mom, Joanie.

Oh, here's something important you should know about her work: Susan visited a friend in Europe and left some of her heart there! She was incredibly inspired by the buildings, language and soft light. She brought back a copy of the french daily journaleLeMonde”. Tiny bits of torn newspaper and meaningful text were layered onto her collages and jewelry. Unconventional additions of twisty bits of grapevine, teensy charms and freshwater pearls brought dimension and even more interesting details to each piece.

2010 finds Susan wrestling with the place of art and creativity in her life. She knows God calls some of His people to work in the arts - that He pours His Spirit in them, gifting them with all sorts of artistic ability a' la Exodus 31. She had a very satisfying commision  in 2009 but has also been pulled in other ministry and life directions. Thoughts? Wait, she has a broken digital camera but once she posts images of said commission and recent work, you can weigh in:  Artist or Trophy Wife? 

At the start of the new millenium, Susan’s family obligations, always center stage, took over the whole venue for a few years! There was nary a piece of jewelry to be made...(except some cool beaded earrings fashioned to match an unfortunately colored dress in 2003). Numerous volunteer opportunities presented themselves and Susan found herself designing weddings, co-chairing a wearable art benefit show for the Eau Claire Regional Arts Council, designing logos (Go, Northwoods Elementary!) and accepting the rare commission. One happy day, she was asked to do some design consulting by Brunkow Builder’s Gaye Brunkow. Gaye, a successful realtor with a great designer’s eye collaborated with Susan on tweaking floor plans, color choices and overall style. With the incredible craftsmanship of Lance Brunkow & Co as foundation, Brunkow Builders’ entries into the Chippewa Valley Parade of Homes won several awards including People’s Choice for Best interior. Susan Jacoby Designs was born and design consulting jobs were accepted as time permitted.

A scanner, some inherited vintage photos and a box of old microscope slides inspired Susan to riff on an old Martha Stewart ornament project that used pressed leaves, small squares or window glass and copper tape. Adding some wicked soldering skills and pulling out her stockpile of beads and charms, Susan Jacoby Designs was back in the jewelry business. A limited collection of silkscreened apparel as well as ornaments,accessories and other little grace notes for the home comprise the current offerings from Susan Jacoby Designs!

Fun Fact: If you wear anything designed by Susan, you are in good company! Look who else has SJD jewelry in their collection: Elizabeth Dole, Anne Graham Lotz, Mary Matalin,Jane Wallace, plus Susan’s mom Joanie and her sister Heidi!
 
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