About the Artists
SaamiCraft – Alexandra Lanzarotta
Historically, my family clan travelled across the Highlands of Scotland, and also across the northern lands of Sweden. After a somewhat nomadic life, I have found my home by the ocean on the West Coast of Vancouver Island in British Columbia, Canada. It is here that I create my Saami-inspired craft. I identify strongly with both my Celtic and Scandinavian origins, and I strive to honor and reflect both of these cultures in my craft.
Swedish culture and traditions have long been part of my life. Years ago, the first Saami-style bracelet I came across was worn by a distinguished elderly Swedish gentleman at a traditional Lucia Christmas celebration. I was so taken by the fine workmanship and detail of his bracelet, as well as the history and culture of the Saami people, that I decided to pursue a study of Saami culture and crafts.
After much research, I ordered materials from Sweden to create my own uniquely styled reindeer leather and pewter-thread woven bracelets, purses and jewelry. I have been passionately pursuing Saami Craft ever since.
Years ago, I also studied the craft of leather braiding with an old cowboy at a horse ranch in the interior of British Columbia. He had learned his braiding techniques and knot tying as a young man sitting around campfires with other cowboys after a long day's work herding cattle. I credit this cowboy for teaching me the art of braiding and leather work.
I believe jewellery, as an art, form should be fluid. As an artist my designs are a fusion of many different cultures and influences. I grow and change as a person when I incorporate new ways of thinking, feeling or being into my creations.
It is my hope that what I create in some small way transforms or brings joy to others. Wearable art is about the magic of individualism and transformative power of style. It is my hope that something I have taken the time to create, resonates with you, your life, or a loved one in some special way.
RonanCraft – Ronan Lanzarotta
My journey into the creative arts began many years ago. I have studied different forms of artistic expression including pottery, photography and the art of making lampwork glass beads. After retiring, moving to Vancouver Island, and building our home/studio by the ocean, I pursued the art of making silver jewellery on a serious level, and embraced the lifestyle of a full-time artist. I cannot imagine a more fulfilling life, or a more enjoyable way to spend time!
Currently, aside from enjoying photography as a “hobby” I continue to pursue my passion for making jewellery. I create primarily with sterling-silver and copper, along with semi-precious stones and crystals. Besides hand-cutting individual pieces for pendants and earrings, I design and make my own silver castings using the lost wax technique. Each piece I design and create, from conception to finished product, is completed in my studio at Kye Bay.
Symbols in different cultures and spiritual practises have always fascinated me. I have my master’s in Reiki, and have always found myself open to, and interested in many spiritual philosophies. Currently, many of my designs focus on symbols I find particularly meaningful in my own life. The art and science of creating jewellery designs in metal continues to promote my learning, both intellectually and spiritually.
I strive to improve my designs and the quality of my work, and I feel it is important to continuously challenge myself to grow as a person and artist. My creations will no doubt continue to change and evolve over time, as will I.
Thank you for visiting my shop and allowing me to share my designs with you. If you have any questions about any specific pieces I have created, please feel free to contact me!