Born in Hawai`i “with a pencil in my hand”, Candice’s background is as a graphic designer, so it’s not surprising that all of her jewelry pieces start out with a sketch. “I have to draw everything exactly how I want it, and then when I fabricate I have to exactly follow it. Everything is planned.”
Candice works primarily in PMC or “Precious Metal Clay”, but enjoys combining metal clay with other fabrication techniques. “I like the idea of marrying the two together. I can do silver clay and add fabrication, and make something one-of-a-kind and unique.” She also sets gemstones using traditional methods…”I like big stones and mixing stones, and to me, that means you have to fabricate settings”. A two-time Saul Bell Award winner, Candice is largely self-taught. She began working with the material when it was first introduced, and with very little how-to information available, perseverance has brought her to the award winning level. The silver clay is shaped over a paper core, then textured and carved. After drying, it is fired in a kiln at 1560 degrees for 20 minutes. The fired piece is brushed, filed and sanded. Settings for gemstones are hand fabricated and soldered in place. Kumboo, an ancient Korean technique of adhering 24k gold to silver, and liver of sulphur to oxidize are applied. A surface coating is put on to preserve and protect the patina.
“As a little girl, I loved rummaging through my mom’s jewelry box. She had dozens of bright, colorful 50’s and 60’s costume pieces – chunky, outspoken and so… glamorous. I’ve had a lifelong fascination with jewelry. With its value. Its longevity. Someone had to really love a piece to spend their hard-earned money on it. Love it enough to pass it on to following generations. These pieces carry and preserve the essence of each wearer.”
