Jessica Dickens
where adornment meets art
jewelry design. abstract art
ABOUT ME
ABOUT ME
For many years, I was primarily a jewelry designer, a path that brought me joy and success. I spent over two decades creating original handmade jewelry, each piece a reflection of my personal style and love for bold, abstract, and organic designs. My jewelry was heavily inspired by wire crochet—a technique I enjoyed for its freeform aesthetic and its ability to bring a sense of movement and fluidity to each piece. My work has graced fashion show runways, appeared on Jewelry Television’s (JTV) Jewel School, and has been featured in publications such as Belle Armoire Jewelry Magazine.
For 15 years, I sold my pieces at jazz and arts festivals across the East Coast, while continuing to sell online and through galleries. Over the past two years, I have expanded my creative practice beyond jewelry, and one of the highlights has been creating an art piece to accompany the annual Stowe Prize for Literary Activism, hosted by the Stowe Center for Literary Activism formerly the Harriet Beecher Stowe Center. This opportunity has allowed me to explore the intersection of art and activism, something deeply meaningful to me as an artist.
However, it was during the global lockdown that my creative journey took an unexpected turn. With the world on pause, I found myself with the time and space to explore new mediums and push the boundaries of my artistic expression. I started with colorful abstract patterns, sketching with acrylic markers. I found joy in the freedom of creating without constraints—letting shapes and colors flow intuitively from my hand. At the same time, I began working with polymer clay, a versatile medium. I soon found that polymer clay paired beautifully with my wire crochet designs. The combination of materials opened up new possibilities for my jewelry. It was as if my work had found a new voice, one that was louder, more confident, and more authentically me.
This past year, I decided to try my hand at painting, purchasing a basic watercolor set, brushes, and a journal. I began painting abstractly, and nearly every day since, I’ve immersed myself in the world of watercolor, mixed media, and collage. I found peace and joy not only in the way water and pigment mix on the paper, but also in the process of layering textures, papers, marks and other materials into my work. I have even layered wire crochet into my collage work. As my exploration of new materials and techniques grew, I realized that I was no longer just a jewelry designer—I was an artist. I began to embrace this identity fully, allowing my creativity to lead me. Most mornings, I wake up early and start my day with art before anything else. My creative exploration has been what has sustained me, challenged me and brought me great joy. This melding of my passions—wire crochet, polymer clay, watercolor, mixed media, and collage—has become the foundation of my artistic practice and It reflects my personal journey and the ways in which I continually push myself to grow and experiment as an artist
For Shipping information and return policies:
Please visit my Etsy Store.
Where do you get your supplies?
I take trips to New York and I also attentd gem and jewelry shows that come to the area a few times a year. I have developed relationships with a few vendors that offer high quality semi-precious stones, findings and components.
Where can I shop for Jessica Designs?
Besides online, you can find Jessica Designs at the Wadsworth Atheneum in Hartford, CT and Spectrum Gallery in Centerbrook, CT. Please visit my Etsy shop or email me for a custom order.
Do you make custom designs?
Yes. Click here to see things to consider when requesting a custom piece. Once you have an idea in mind, please feel free to email me with your request.
Do you repair jewelry?
Yes. Whether it is my own designs or someone else’s, I will be happy to repair your jewelry. If your repair requires soldering, I work with a metal smith and may be able to make the repair.
Why do you use Etsy?
Etsy is the largest handmade online marketplace in the world. Their shopping cart is user friendly and their site is 100% secure and they accept several forms of payment. It also helps give my jewelry more online visibility.
Do you donate your jewelry?
Yes. Feel free to contact me with information about your event or cause.