N.J. Wintrup:
The Artist and the Business
"Talented, creative and positive with a 'nothing-I-can't-do' attitude"--words
from someone who covets her work. Her credentials prove this. A graduate
of Kent State University in Fine and Professional Arts, she spent an additional
year at the Cleveland Art Institute, 3 years under the tutelage of a well-known
platinum master and 2 1/2 years with European goldsmiths.
During the required 3 year apprenticeship, working as a "Jeweler's
Jeweler", she became especially known for her clasps, hinges and mechanisms
-- even watch parts. She loves working in fine metals (gold, platinum and
sterling silver), fabricating in all three and casting sterling and gold. She
views her work as a challenge, the results being the big reward.
Why jewelry rather than a canvas and paints? Partly for practical reasons.
When moving to California, it was easier to transport jewelry tools. Her
family background includes both grandfathers in metal work and a father
who was a mechanical engineer. And why ASL?
"As an artist, I've always loved the human figure, especially
the extremities. I was fascinated by the movement of hands, how beautiful
they looked. When the daughter of a close friend was learning ASL, the
hands again held that special fascination."
This was what made her want to manufacture an in-house line of distinctive
jewelry, enabling her to share this intrigue and leading to her TALKING
HANDS.