By NVOS artist Cathryne Trachok
There is something about Napa Valley Open Studios artist Sue F. Payne’s work that grabs your attention. Jewelry design is such a personal art, in the designing as well as in the viewing and wearing. Sue’s designs are unique, beautiful, and stunning.
Using sterling and Thai silver, semi-precious stones and pearls, Sue creates gorgeous pieces of art that are not only are decorative, but also enhance the wearer. She also incorporates copper, Thai brass, and some gold vermeil.
I think it comes from her inspiration, that personal spark that we each utilize in our creations. As she says, “I’ve learned to design from my heart and try to honor what appeals to me. This allows me to find joy in creating my pieces.”
That joy definitely comes across to the viewer. Each piece is a unique design, a one of a kind artwork that really is quite stunning. As all artists change and grow, Sue is also now incorporating leather into her newest designs.
You can find Sue during Open Studios at 1081-A Tamarisk Drive, in Napa, California, at Edwards Glass Studio, along with glass artist Ed Edwards and ceramics artist Emil Yanos. You can find directions to her studio in our Open Studios catalogue, Studio #26.
Cathryne Trachok works from, in, and around the Napa Valley, using her vision to create artworks celebrating the beautiful world we live in. You can meet her and see her work at Studio #4 during Open Studios, and you can see her work online at www.catrachokstudios.com.
