Brief Overview: All designs are expressed through the medium of polymer clay and embellished with carefull-selected beads, cording and findings. Because colors, patterns and designs are constantly evolving, you won't see identical Kalista creations on anyone else or in any gallery. Kalista jewelry undergoes a six-step finishing process ending with either a buffed patina or light varnish, further enhancing the subtle, dimensional patterns within each piece.
Artist Statement ARTIST’S STATEMENT
My body of work explores the fascination, and admitted addiction, I have to the incredible medium of polymer clay. My inspiration comes from the medium itself and the boundless versatility it offers. If you look at my work and see stones, metal work, mother of pearl or other materials, then I have done my job well. Creating wearable art that belies its origins and offers uniqueness in style and design is the mark I leave with each distinctive piece.
BIOGRAPHY
My addiction to polymer clay started with a friend’s suggestion. She had worked with polymer clay in the early days, loved the medium and thought perhaps this might be a good outlet for my re-emerging desire to create.
After listening to her go on and on about polymer clay, I went to Michaels. I bought a few packages of clay, a couple tools and a book on techniques. After successfully completing a few projects, I was completely and utterly hooked!
That was 5 years ago and I still can’t get enough. My polymer clay library now includes over 30 books and countless magazines. The initial pasta machine has evolved into a professional model and the hand buffing has given way to a jeweler’s buffing wheel. My meager assortment of tools has blossomed into countless cutters, texture sheets, embossing powders, inks and rubber stamps.
While I am primarily self-taught, I have been fortunate to participate in numerous workshops, learning new techniques and perfecting others. With each new technique or twist on an old one, my love of this medium grows ever deeper.
Polymer Clay is my passion and manages to consume as much of my free time as possible. When I am not immersed in creating new pieces, I am a Senior Account Manager for a regional advertising, marketing/PR firm. I have been married for 20+ years and live with 3 precious “furbabies”—Scotty and Jamie (Scottish Fold cats) and Maggie (Maine Coon Cat).
Galleries
Damselfly, Midway, Kentucky
AWARDS & ORGANIZATIONS
2007 Best in Show, Belknap Fall Festival, Louisville
2008 2nd place, Jewelry, Arts in the Park, LaGrange
2009 2nd place, Jewelry. Arts in the Park, LaGrange
2008 Artistic Achievement Award, Belknap Fall Festival, Louisville
2007 Juried member, Louisville Artisan Guild
2008 Juried member, Kentucky Guild of Artists and Craftsmen