“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
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