Fine Art
JEWELRY AS ART
Fine Art Jewelry Maker
Dawn Lombard
Dawn Lombard
Photo Courtesy: Dawn Lombard
Photo Courtesy: Dawn Lombard
Dawn Lombard has an MBA in international marketing, spent 23 years in sales and marketing in the consumer packaged goods industry, and was, she says emphatically, “absolutely miserable.” So what did this unhappy career woman do instead? Nine years ago, she chucked the suit and heels and started to use her hands, heart and vision to craft unique and artistic jewelry.
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Carol Lippert Gray, associate editor of Sanctuary, spoke with Dawn about her drastic career shift, the ups and downs of her work, and her much improved current outlook.
How did you come to jewelry making?
I started making jewelry as a hobby. Then my sister persuaded me to take a glass bead melting class. It was pure and absolute Zen. It became such a passion of mine. I was fulfilled by making these darn beads. When I first started in 2003, I was making all these glass beads. But the large jewelry company Pandora started mass-producing glass beads and destroyed the little business I had. Commercial crafts stores also started selling them — even cheaper. I had been selling at weekend crafts fairs for extra money, but only a few people understood what I was doing. So I thought, ‘There’s gotta be something else I can do.’ I found YouTube videos of fusing glass on copper to make enamel, and my mind blew up. Enamel is powdered glass. |
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It’s been such a great ride. I’ve innovated techniques nobody else is doing and keep coming up with [unique] technology nobody else is doing.
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Slideshow Photo Courtesy: Dawn Lombard
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Was it a seamless transition?
I had a hard time during the pandemic. My husband said, ‘Dawn, you’ll never get this time back. Why are you wasting it crying in bed?’ So I looked on YouTube for something new and exciting and found the Glowforge [a 3D craft laser]. I spent three months getting trained on this machine and now have a whole line made on Glowforge that no one else is doing. It’s a new shape, a new approach, a new something. Now I’m on top of the world. My heart is so full of joy. I think that’s another reason people like buying my work. It’s colorful and happy, and they feel good wearing it. Does what you do now require a lot of travel? I love interacting with the people at the crafts shows. I do about 20 a year between Massachusetts and Florida. I’m also selling my work in the Artful Home catalog. It’s a major account, and I feel so honored to be in it. I love it so much now because two weeks ago I did my first show with an RV. I can now stay on site at my shows. I have a refrigerator, bed, and cooking implements. I’m working as we speak. I have a show this weekend. I do batches at a time and have a predetermined design in mind. I’m making 50 of this [design]. |
Necklace on Black Bust
Photo Courtesy: Dawn Lombard |
Dawn Working in Her Studio
Photo Courtesy: Dawn Lombard |
I have committed to work when my husband works. If he’s working, I’m working. That keeps me extremely focused.
Does your work sell better in some places than others? Yes. I’m noticing a trend where my work resonates with people who want to be seen. I do well in cities, not as well in the sticks. I make big, bold, colorful pieces, not wallflower pieces. My [typical] customer is into fashion, high style, and ‘look at me.’ What do you see in your future? Maybe one day you’ll see me doing sculpture. What advice do you have for someone contemplating a career shift? If you feel like you’re missing something in your life, don’t stop looking for a new path. I was an educational and corporate ladder climber, but as soon as I got into art and making things, my world changed. I think people pick up on my energy, and they love wearing my work. |
Where to you find sanctuary?
My art. It’s all in my art and what I create with my hands. It transports me to this lovely world where nothing is bad or evil. I’m very lucky.
My art. It’s all in my art and what I create with my hands. It transports me to this lovely world where nothing is bad or evil. I’m very lucky.
Dawn Lombard's designs are a testament to her artistic vision, technical prowess, and dedication to craftsmanship. Each piece is infused with a profound understanding of the scientific properties of glass and metal, resulting in jewelry that is as visually striking as it is structurally sound. By merging the ancient art of enameling with cutting-edge metalwork and laser technology, Dawn creates wearable works of art that resonate with individuals seeking both timeless elegance and contemporary sophistication. Her commitment to utilizing 100% recycled copper further underscores her passion for sustainable practices. With every piece she crafts, Dawn invites us into a world where science and art coexist, transcending boundaries and inspiring a sense of wonder and awe.
Meet Dawn at a crafts show and try on her work in person:
CRAFT SHOW SCHEDULE
CRAFT SHOW SCHEDULE
