Side Street Studio Blog | The best art that B.C. can offer
About This Site
Side Street Studio in Oak Bay Village and now Humboldt Street, Victoria, has been selling the work of British Columbia artists for over 25 years. Side Street Studio is family owned and has the support of five highly trained and helpful staff. We are commited to providing a showcase for the best pottery, jewellery, wood, glass art, textiles, cards & books, carvings, West Coast photography & art prints and special Gifts that B.C. can offer. more...
Gitte Bruun Of Rainbird Arts writes;
WASPS NEST PAPER & PEARL EARRINGS
“It’s all about the natural world for me. Without it, my soul would shrivel up and die, or at best, atrophy.
We need to respect and treat our great and wonderful planet with kindness.
It’s the only one we’ve got. Every little thing, big or small; creature; being; organism; is amazing and breathtaking in it’s design and an integral part of the whole.
CEDAR BARK PAPER & JASPER EARRINGS
I want to share and convey those feelings of excitement and humbleness for the beauty and complexity of the natural world, enlightening and educating if I can.
CEDAR BARK PAPER & COPPER BEAD EARRINGS
I tend to choose subject matter for my pen and inks that are not “popular”, focusing on bats, vultures, snakes, insects etc with the occasional foray into birds of prey and orcas.
WASP NEST PAPER & FLOWER JADE EARRINGS
My jewellery reflects treasures of the natural world and their history, combined with sterling silver and gemstones, or at other times borrows influences from the tribes of Africa and Asia, from people who still live connected to the land and its rhythms.
Art should provoke thought. I hope that my work will inspire some to take another look at aspects of species inhabiting our world, open their mind a little more to the importance of all creatures, not just the handsome ones, thereby, hopefully softening our impact.
I combine sterling silver and semi-precious gemstones with my “beads” made from handmade cedar bark paper or abandoned wasp nest paper”.
CEDAR BARK, TURQUOISE & LICHEN EARRINGS
CEDAR BARK PAPER & PEARL EARRINGS
“For the paper-making process, strips of bark removed from fallen or windblown cedar (Thuja plicata) are torn into narrow lengths and then cut into postage-stamp sized pieces before being soaked in water overnight or longer. It’s then cooked in the water gently (on top of the woodstove) with a small amount of soda ash for half a day to break down the fiber, rinsed thoroughly, and zapped in a blender to become a rich dark brown paper pulp for casting or sheet making.
CEDAR BARK PAPER, SODALITE & LICHEN EARRINGS
Sheets of dried cedar bark paper are cut into strips and rolled into beads, or cut to size to cover cardboard blanks, glued into place and left to dry, and then covered in a protective layer of matte varnish. Or the pulp is pressed into round discs, dried and trimmed, and covered in a light varnish.
Some of the ‘beads’ have pressed lichen, dried hydrangea petals, or parts of maple leaves and ferns decorating them. A sterling silver bail is attached and the ‘bead’ is ready for it’s marriage to stone and silver”.
“Yellow Jacket nests (vespiary) are found abandoned in the winter after the colony has died off and the surviving queen hidden herself away to overwinter underground or somewhere sheltered until spring. The nest is made from wood of various species of shrubs and trees chewed into a pulp by the Yellow Jackets, and then transformed into an elegant brindled paper structure that can take on a typically urn-shaped form as large as a football or bigger.
CEDAR BARK, CARNELIAN & HYDRANGEA PETAL EARRINGS
Some are in shades of grays, ivory, granite, and silvered cedar, or shot through with waves of russet, taupe and tan, a few with softened amber and sepia tones. They are a work of art in themselves. The nest is very brittle and fragile so pieces are cut to size for the cardboard blanks that they cover, wetted carefully with glue and folded over into place and left to dry.
WASP NEST PAPER & TURQUOISE CLIP-ON EARRINGS
A few layers are used to complete the process, drying between each layer otherwise the paper disintegrates with the slightest touch. Once all the layers are on and dried, the wasp paper blank is coated in a protective layer of matte varnish, the sterling Silver bail attached and it’s ready to be combined with silver and stone”.
Gitte Bruun lived for over 22 years on an island with no roads nor electricity (accessible only by boat) off the Sunshine Coast of British Columbia, Canada. Read more about Gitte and her beautiful work at http://www.sidestreetstudio.com/catalog/index.php?manufacturers_id=80452
CEDAR BARK PAPER & HYDRANGEA PETAL EARRINGS
Camelot & Celtic Symbolism
Sheila Smedley writes:
“Artists and authors have held a centuries-old fascination with the mystery surrounding Arthur and his Utopian kingdom believed to have been at Camelot.
CELTIC PEWTER KNOT/PEARL/CRYSTAL EARRINGS
CELTIC LINK GEMSTONE EARRINGS
“Today we continue to recognize and acknowledge the strong symbolism and wisdom of the Celtic peoples. The Camelot Collection of jewellery by Sarabande Treasures harks back to an ancient time. Antiqued bronze and gold pewter, combined with an array of gemstones, indicative of those used in decoration and adornment in the Dark Ages, create this unique and distinctive collection”.
CELTIC GEMSTONE NECKLACE
CELTIC LINK GEMSTONE BRACELET
“The Celts ruled a great portion of Britain and northern Europe before the arrival of Christianity. The symbols and signs of Celtic artwork held incredible power for the ancient Celts in every aspect of their lives, which is evidenced in the beautiful artefacts collected over past centuries”.
CELTIC GEMSTONE BRACELET
CELTIC LINK GEMSTONE EARRINGS
“The Celtic cross not only is a central symbol for Christianity, but in a number of cultures, the intersection of vertical and horizontal axes can represent the union of heaven and earth. Although the ancient Celts left no written records, their art and symbolism remain as captivating and poignant today as it did centuries ago”.
You can see more of Sheila’s magnificent Celtic work at http://www.sidestreetstudio.com/catalog/advanced_search_result.php?search_in_description=1&keywords=celtic&sort=3a&page=1
CELTIC LINK GEMSTONE PENDANT NECKLACE
ZODIAC SIGNS & GEM STONES
Capricorn(Dec. 22nd – Jan. 21st) |
Ruby & Lapis Lazuli The name Lapis Lazuli comes from the Persian word lazhward meaning blue, in allusion to its color. In ancient times, lapis lazuli was known as sapphirus, which is the name that we use today for the blue corundum variety sapphire. Lapis Lazuli has been highly valued for many thousands of years. The most famous locality for fine quality lapis lazuli is the same ancient deposit high in the mountains of Afganistan where it was originally mined at least 6000 years ago. Lapis lazuli was often made into jewelry, carvings, amulets and talismans which were believed to have occult powers. Lapis lazuli was said to dispell melancholy and depression, and to cure recurring fevers. It was also said to impart ancient knowledge, and the wisdom to use it. Up until the nineteenth century, lapis lazuli was ground up and mixed with oil to produce the deep blue-green pigment known as ultramarine which meant literally beyond the sea, as the lapis lazuli was brought from far away by ship
|
Aquarius(Jan. 21st – Feb. 21st) |
The word Garnet is believed to have derived from the Latin granatum, meaning pomegranate and referring to its deep red coloured seeds. Garnet has been used in jewellery since ancient times and was thought to have great curative powers, protecting the wearer from harm. It is believed that Garnet powers the emotions, promoting confidence and strength of character. |
Pisces(Feb. 22nd – Mar. 21st) |
Amethyst is said to be the stone of contentment and to bestow stability, serenity and peace. Amethyst belongs to the quartz family and its variation in colour is largely due to the traces of iron it contains. Amethyst was highly prized in antiquity for its calming effect and the name derived from the Greek amethustos or “non-inebriated”. It is often used as a meditation stone to help relax the mind and as an aid to finding inner peace.
|
| Aries(Mar.22nd – Apr. 20th) |
Bloodstone |
| Taurus(Apr.21st – May. 21st) |
Sapphire |
Gemini(May 21st – June 21st) |
Agate obtains its typical banded appearance through the deposition of other quartz substances within the layers. It enjoyed a high reputation as a protective stone in the ancient world. The tradition still holds strong today as Agate is widely used in spiritual healing, believed to balance and bring harmony to the body and mind. |
| Cancer(June 22nd – July 22nd) |
Emerald |
Leo(July 23rd – Aug. 22nd) |
Onyx is valued for its strong lustre and colour and has been used in jewellery and ornamentation since pre-historic times. Onyx is a type of chalcedony and is coloured black through the presence of iron and carbon. Wearing onyx is thought to bring self-mastery, confidence and assertiveness.
|
Virgo(Aug. 23rd - Sept. 23rd) |
Carnelian is a stone from the quartz family, cornelian is found all over the world but it is widely held that the best stones come from India. The name is derived from the Latin word for horn. Carnelian is said to help the wearer “live in the moment” as well as restoring the natural energy flow of the body.
|
Libra(Sept. 23rd – Oct. 23rd) |
The name Peridot is thought to have been derived from the Arabic faridat, meaning gem. Peridot was used in ancient Egypt as a stone for jewellery. It is said to alleviate anxiety and fear and to relieve insomnia. |
Scorpio(Oct.24th – Nov 21st) |
. Beryl is quite unkown to many people when in its original pure form. Here it is colourless. But is is a very important gemstone as when we see Beryl in its green form it is know as Emerald and in its blue form as Aquamarine. The double reference to water in the name Aquamarine is a mix of the Latin words aqua, for water, and marina, “of the sea” suggests that the ancients connected the stone closely with water. In addition to appearing in settings with other, more precious gems, Aquamarine was also highly valued by sailors, who considered it to be a lucky stone.In the Middle Ages it was thought that aquamarine would reduce the effect of poisons |
Sagittarius(Nov. 22 – Dec. 21st) |
The name Topaz is derived from the Sanskrit word tapas. In ancient cultures topaz was considered to be the stone of Jupiter, representing rule over one’s own life, self-realisation and wisdom. When heated, yellow topaz often becomes reddish-pink. Topaz is said to promote peaceful and calm emotions. |
Birthstones have been used for many hundreds of years as a means of associating a specific stone with the date of one’s birth. The exact relationship’s between a stone and a calendar date is lost in the mists of time. But there are many enjoyable guides available to you to research and for you choose what stone is most appealing or appropriate to you.
MONTH & STONE
JANUARY: Garnet: The name Garnet is from the Latin granatum, meaning pomegranate and refers to its deep red colored seeds. Garnet has been used in jewellery since ancient times and is believed to have great curative powers, protecting the wearer from harm. Garnet strengthens the emotions, building confidence and strength of character. 
Rose Quartz: Rose quartz is believed to be a fertility crystal. It is known as the “love stone” and is thought to attract and strengthen love as well as heal emotional wounds. Most rose quartz is mined in Brazil.
FEBRUARY: Amethyst: Amethyst is the stone of contentment, and is believed to bring stability, serenity and peace. Amethyst belongs to the quartz family and its variation in colour is largely due to the traces of iron it contains. Amethyst has been highly prized in antiquity for its calming effect and the name derived from the Greek amethustos or “non-inebriated”. Amethyst is often used as a meditation stone to help bring peace to the mind and as an aid to finding inner peace. 
Onyx: Onyx is prized for its colour and has been used in jewellery since pre-historic times. It is a form of chalcedony and is colored black through the presence of iron and carbon. Wearing Onyx is thought to bring self-mastery, confidence and assertiveness.
MARCH: Bloodstone & Aquamarine: Aquamarine is a form of beryl and has been valued as a gemstone for thousands of years. It and even appears in the Bible. The double reference to water in the name, which is a compound of the Latin words aqua, for water, and marina, “of the sea” suggests that the ancients connected the stone closely with water.
In addition to appearing in settings with other, more precious gems, aquamarine was also highly valued by sailors, who considered it to be a lucky stone. Aquamarine is the birthstone for March and the stone for the zodiac sign Scorpio.
In the Middle Ages it was thought that aquamarine would reduce the effect of poisons 
APRIL: Diamond: Diamonds are formed many miles beneath the Earth’s crust and, as pure carbon, is the hardest mineral known to man. The name diamond is derived from the Greek adamas meaning “invincible”. For many hundreds of years diamonds have represented strength and invulnerability. Highly prized due to its rarity and purity, the characteristic fire and brilliance of the diamond has made it one of the desirable of gemstones in jewellery.
MAY: Emerald and..
Chryophase: Chrysoprase is the most valuable stone in the chalcedony group. The name Chrysoprase has been derived from a Greek word “chrysos prason,” which mean gold leek. It is said to be a “Victory Stone.” California has a good deposit of Chrysoprase.
JUNE: Pearls: In ancient mythology pearls were thought to be heavenly dewdrops caught by shells rising from the sea bed. Pearls were b believed to be sacred to the Roman moon goddess Diana. Pearls are thought to symbolize peace, beauty and friendship. 
Moonstone: Moonstone is associated with the moon and was the stone of the goddess Diana. The most powerful time to use the moonstone is in a full moon. It is said to bring good fortune to the wearer as well as success in love and business issues. 
JULY: Ruby & Carnelian: Carnelian is a stone from the quartz family, cornelian is found all over the world but it is widely held that the best stones come from India. The name is derived from the Latin word for horn.
Carnelian is said to help the wearer “live in the moment” as well as restoring the natural energy flow of the body.
AUGUST: Peridot: The name Peridot is thought to have been derived from the Arabic faridat, meaning gem. Peridot was used in ancient Egypt as a stone for jewellery. It is said to alleviate anxiety and fear and to relieve insomnia.
Peridot is thought to bring joy and good fortune
SEPTEMBER: Sapphire & Lapis Lazuli: Lapis lazuli was popular thousands of years ago among the people of Mesopotamia, Egypt, Persia, Greece and Rome. It is said that the legendary city of Ur on the Euphrates plied a keen lapis lazuli trade as long ago as the fourth millennium B.C., the material coming to the land of the two great rivers from the famous deposits in Afghanistan. In other cultures, lapis lazuli was regarded as a holy stone.
OCTOBER: Opal: Opal is often described as “Nature’s fireworks” due to its iridescent rainbow flashes through the white gemstone. It’s popularly thought that the name derives from the Sanskrit word for precious stone: upala. Most opal is more than 60 million years old and generally dates back to when dinosaurs roamed the earth. Opal is considered a stone of happy dreams and good changes. 
Opal is thought to be the most powerful of healing stones
NOVEMBER: Topaz: The name Topaz is derived from the Sanskrit word tapas. In ancient cultures topaz was considered to be the stone of Jupiter, representing rule over one’s own life, self-realization and wisdom. When heated, yellow topaz often becomes reddish-pink. Topaz is said to promote peaceful and calm emotions. 
Citrine: Citrine is a variety of quartz. In ancient times it was believed to strengthen the intellect while in modern spiritual healing it is thought to fortify the nerves, aid digestion and encourage self-confidence. 
DECEMBER: Turquoise: Turquoise is believed to have been named after Turkey where European crusaders first came into contact with the stone in medieval times. In many cultures, turquoise was valued as a protection against evil spirits and was worn as an amulet for strength and prosperity. It is particularly valued in the Native American community and made into beautiful jewellery, often combined with silver.
“I was born and raised in Victoria. Am father to 4 children, 4 grandchildren and 1 stepson.
I worked in the wholesale and retail hardware and building supplies from the age of 16 to 40ish.. And am an avid do it yourselfer. I have always had a keen interest in learning to fix and create things.
From repairs around the house to rebuilding cars as well as creating with a computer. Having inherited my grandfather’s woodworking tools, I began to create a variety of crafts from wood.After moving to the Comox Valley, for a simpler lifestyle, my wife Janice and I started a small consignment craft store in Comox. Over the 8 years we grew the business, selling the products of hundreds of consigners, as well as our own variety of handmade items.
I “Apprenticed” with a local glass artist and turned my focus towards glass art and jewelry creation. My first pendants were old silver plate filigree cut and shaped to fit glass cabochons. Over the past 5 years my pendants have evolved to the creations that are available today, which have been bought by customers from all over the world.
One of my greatest pleasures is the appreciation that I receive for my work, something that was missing as a salesman of hardware!
I draw inspiration from the beauty of natural things, and likes the challenge of creating a piece from simple materials, with little emphasis on the perceived “value” of so called precious commodities.
The purpose of my pieces is to create delight in the wearer, without the pretense of precious metals and stones.”
More About Waterslip Pendants.
“My pendants are created from a wide variety of stones, shells, old pottery, glass and whatever item that causes inspiration. The surface decoration ranges from simple purchased findings to recycled silver plate (filigree) to completely original handcrafted designs.
No two pendants are exactly alike, in fact, too often I have difficulty copying my own work. Each pendant “ grows “ from the original cabochon and at any time there are usually a dozen or so pieces under construction; just waiting for the right inspiration.
The wire used in the surface, bezel and bail is a German Silver alloy which is much easier for the owner to maintain (does not tarnish like sterling). The solders used are all lead free silver based, and each piece is triple polished for a long lasting shine”.
“I hope that you obtain as much enjoyment from wearing my work as I have had in creating it”
You can find John’s superb work at Side Street Studio two stores in Victoria or on line at www.sidestreetstudio.com
AGATE & SILVER PENDANT
Doreen Schneider writes, ” My professional life has been varied, indeed. After receiving my Bachelor’s degree in science at the University of Saskatchewan, I moved to Burlington, Ontario and spent the next twenty years developing and teaching the biochemistry program at the Hamilton and District School of Medical Technology.
I have always been interested in the creative arts and when my husband was transferred to the west coast, I took the opportunity to return to university where I obtained another Bachelor’s degree, this time in Fine Arts at the University of Victoria. After completing the advanced course in silver smithing at Camosun College in Victoria B.C. I was ready to start designing and handcrafting jewellery.
TURQUOISE & NAVAJO SILVER BEAD NECKLACE
BRECCIA & STERLING SILVER PENDANT
My unique sculptural creations are known as bridge jewellery, falling within the transition-zone between costume jewellery and fine jewellery. Once the designing process is complete it must be translated into a silver representation. This requires a variety of fabrication techniques, such as soldering, forging, fold-forming, reticulation, texturing and enameling.
My designs also incorporate many other materials such as gold, semi-precious stones, antique beads, carved bone etc., often from various parts of the underdeveloped world. Each piece is unique – a fascinating sculptural story framed in silver. ”
“For over 10 years I have been designing jewellery for commercial galleries and private clients. Unique designs continue to unfold evoked by the world around us – a cloud formation, a waterfall, a piece of drift wood, the shape of a rock – images from legends, stories or a piece of music. What ever the source the result is a one-of-a-kind fascinating sculptural story framed in silver. I love designing each unique piece and delight in having one of my pieces make someone very happy”.
My designs also incorporate many other materials such as gold, semi-precious stones, antique beads, carved bone etc., often from various parts of the underdeveloped world. Each piece is unique – a fascinating sculptural story framed in silver. ”
“For over 10 years I have been designing jewellery for commercial galleries and private clients. Unique designs continue to unfold evoked by the world around us – a cloud formation, a waterfall, a piece of drift wood, the shape of a rock – images from legends, stories or a piece of music. What ever the source the result is a one-of-a-kind fascinating sculptural story framed in silver. I love designing each unique piece and delight in having one of my pieces make someone very happy”.
Doreen currently resides in North Saanich, British Columbia. When she is not either at her silver smithing bench or traveling in search of more material for her jewellery designs. She can usually be found enjoying her garden or sailing among British Columbias’s Gulf Islands.
You can see Doreen’s magnificent and superbly affordable work at http://www.sidestreetstudio.com/catalog/index.php?manufacturers_id=80432
TITANIUM, STERLING & AMETHYST BROOCH
Marty Reynard wrote “As a native New Yorker, I was exposed to the jewelry arts at an early age by my mother, a jewelry maker who worked primarily in copper and silver.
I immigrated to Canada in 1968, and received my Ph.D. in clinical psychology from Queen’s University at Kingston, Ontario.
TITANIUM & SILVER EARRINGS
My interest in metal sculpture and design led me into the jewelry arts following graduation.
Working in many metals, with a specialty in titanium, my work took a very untraditional approach and incorporated a wide variety of materials. My studio represents a laboratory where I get to run aesthetic experiments on a daily basis.
These experiments, fortunately, are endless, and the surprises and the discoveries that they yield provide an ongoing impetus to keep my work constantly changing.
SILVER & GOLD PENDANT
Within the field of jewelry design I find a meeting place of art, chemistry, engineering and the magic of alchemy (i.e. “the transformation of that which is common into that which is precious”).
TITANIUM PENDANT
I have come to refer to myself as a “maker of aesthetic objects” and I believe there is no such thing as “precious metals”–only precious objects”.
You can see more of Marty’s fine & great value jewellery work at http://www.sidestreetstudio.com/
Leona Smith wrote, “I began creating jewelry in the 1990′s. My inspiration comes from my grandfather, who was a rock hound – he would seek out interesting rocks and later fashion his finds into jewelry. 
As a young girl, I was awed by the stones and the meanings that flow from a piece of handcrafted jewelry.
Recently I discovered silver precious metal clay and silver wire work, and was inspired all over again to create artisan pieces.
My “gems” are created out of silver precious metal clay and sterling silver wire with beads and / or other wire as accents. 
Each component is crafted by hand, i.e. every link, jump ring, clasp and ear wire is hand made in my studio. The precious metal clay comes in a clay form and is shaped, dried, sanded and fired in a kiln, becoming a piece in .999 silver. After firing, the pieces are polished. Each piece is unique.
Sterling silver is an alloy of silver (at least 92.5%) and other metals, primarily copper. The copper reacts to moisture and sulphur in the air, creating tarnish. Precious metal is clay is fine silver (99.9% silver); it tarnishes slower than sterling. Note that some pieces are blackened deliberately as part of the design. 
Follow these tips to keep your silver bright:
- Silver jewelry can be immersed in water for cleaning if there are no soft gemstones, pearls, crystals or silk thread in the piece.
- Wash with diluted mild dishwashing liquid. Rinse thoroughly. Dry with cotton. Lay flat to air dry overnight. Wrap in jewelers’ anti-tarnish tissue. Store in its own airtight plastic bag. 
- Same advice as with all other jewelry: avoid getting any chemicals, including perfume, hairspray, deodorant spray, body lotion, acetone, bleach, or turpentine, onto your silver jewelry.
- Store your silver jewelry carefully so it needs less cleaning and doesn’t get scratched.
- Wear your silver jewelry often! The color of silver becomes richer and more beautiful the more it\’s worn. 
I hope that you enjoy wearing my jewellery. You can find more of Leona’s beautiful work at http://www.sidestreetstudio.com/catalog/index.php?manufacturers_id=80424&osCsid=3e6be7a9c71d2a8da185730a1a5c6b31
Niki Green wrote,”Women always tell me when they wear my jewellery, it makes them feel happy. I think it is because I am happiest when I am designing and creating jewellery. I feel at peace, content and excited about what I am doing all at the same time. I often can’t wait to see if the actual finished product matches the vision that I have pictured in my head.
When I first started making jewellery it was 10 years ago. I was teaching elementary school full time in Toronto and raising two small children. The days were long, noisy, and very busy. I found that I needed an outlet at the end of the day so I could just “chill out” quietly while doing something that was creative and peaceful. I began to make jewellery, which quickly became my therapy and solace.
Since I dressed very simply, I was always looking for a little something that would amp up both my work and casual clothes. I wanted my jewellery to be fun and comfortable to wear, and somewhat casual. My goal was to dress up a simple white t-shirt and jeans with a great necklace or a bunch of interesting bracelets. The clothes became a backdrop, or a blank canvas, and the jewellery became the focal point of the canvas.
Within days of wearing my creations to work, all the teachers and many of the moms at school wanted to order some pieces for themselves. I quickly realized that I had just unwittingly started a small business, and began to design jewellery for what I like to refer to as the “everyday woman”.
Women that want to throw on something interesting and unique while they run errands, pick up their kids from school, go to work, or meet their friends for dinner. Pieces that they could wear out to a casual dinner in the evening, or to their book club meeting or a “girls’ night out”.
Within a few years, I was making jewellery full time out of my house, which was wonderful because I was able to spend more time with my children and I loved what I was doing. My work never felt like work, which is a gift itself.
I have recently moved to Victoria and I am in awe of the sheer physical beauty of this city. I love how friendly the people are, and the pace and casual vibe suits my personality. I love being close to the ocean and the mountains, and especially all the wildlife that I encounter on a daily basis. I am truly filled with peace here. I look forward to designing and creating jewellery for the “everyday woman” in Victoria, and all who are fortunate enough to visit and experience this paradise that I now call home.”
You can see Niki’s superb work at http://www.sidestreetstudio.com/catalog/niki-green-m-80414.html
Alvaro Sanchez writes “I was born and raised in Buenos Aires, Argentina, where I studied design, music and architecture. 
Since leaving Argentina I have lived in almost every country in Latin America until 1990 when I moved with my familyto Saltspring Island, British Columbia.
As a self-taught silversmith I have gathered influences, techniques and inspiration from the ancient and contemporary art of the many cultures I have been immersed in.
My artistic style has an urban Latin flavour. Using precious metals and natural gems. I try to create fine jewellery that is stylish and very comfortable to wear. I particullary enjoy working with silver and semi precious stones.
In my spare time I play soccer and the Latin American guitar”. You can see more of Alvaros’ fabulous and stylish work at www.sidestreetstudio.com
