LaDonna Parker began making jewelry four years
ago when she discovered that it was a way to
creatively express her emotions. Her
one-of-a-kind pieces reflect themes in both
broad and understated ways, turning bold into
delicate, or delicate into bold. A published
writer with a lifelong need to express herself,
she has found another way to give of herself and
her life experiences in jewelry design. She
works in various styles, from wire-wrapping
precious stones to hand-knotting luminous
pearls, always searching for the right balance
of color, size and weight to express the feeling
she puts into the work. The very process of
taking raw materials and turning them into
something beautiful is a gift that she relishes
giving. "Each piece is special," she says,
"because each one contains a part of me. When I
make it, I am aware that it has a chance to be
passed on to daughters and granddaughters. I
like to think I'm touching people with something
timeless."
Always intrigued by the means of transformation,
she considers herself to be in a constant state of
change, and strives to bring out the best in herself
and others. As a licensed Marriage and Family
therapist, she has been a witness to the human
spirit's ability to transform and heal itself. "I am
inspired and happy to say that I have seen how
people can change their lives," she says, "taking
the energy of negative experiences and using it in
positive ways. I try to convey that in as many ways
as I can. You could say that designing and making
jewelry gives my heart a place to go."
