Artist Statement

My process for designing and producing original pieces of jewelry and metal sculpture intimately expresses my dedication to overcoming obstacles with delicacy and sophistication. My work draws heavily from the beauty of nature, while integrating the crisp lines of modern art and fashion. The concept behind my body of work is how we as people are inspired by our natural environment and how in turn we shape the environment around us. Through the use of texture, geometric shapes, form, and the setting of faceted stones, implied movement can be achieved.
Processes in metal that I utilize include granulation, hollow box construction, filigree, non-traditional casting techniques (including straw- and water-casting), and the fabrication of mokumé gane. Utilizing these techniques can be both arduous and time consuming; however, overcoming these challenges is part of what makes my work so rewarding to me. Upon completion of a piece I feel a sense of accomplishment and gratification which fuels my desire to continuously push my limits and expectations on what I can create."

Biography

Caitlin Paul was born in the small town of Valdosta, Georgia, but relocated to Chandler, Arizona at a young age. In Arizona, Caitlin first began to learn about jewelry design and fabrication when she enrolled in the jewelry program at Chandler High School, and went on to grow her knowledge of metalworking by receiving a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Metals from Arizona State University in 2012. Before committing full-time to growing her own business as an individual artist, she honed her skills and craftsmanship by working for over 10 years as a repair and custom jeweler at local family-owned jewelry stores.
Caitlin's jewelry has always been influenced by her appreciation of textures found in natural landscapes, and this is incorporated into her artwork. She utilizes techniques in which natural materials are used as organic molds, like strawcasting or watercasting, in which molten metal is poured directly into angel hair pasta or water. This results in textured jewelry reminiscent of the saguaro cactus found in the desert that Caitlin grew up around or liquid and freeform textures that inspire memories of her happy place on the beach.  As she learns new skills and develops as an artist, Caitlin continues to draw inspiration from the familiar environments she loves.