|
Penny is
a native of Columbia and has her degree in Criminal Justice
from USC. She is a self-taught jeweler working primarily with
sterling silver and natural stones. Penny also works as a
part-time professional photographer, and her main interest is
capturing weddings.
“A
few years ago I was photographing a wedding near Christmas and
the bride had several small table top Christmas trees
decorated with beaded ornaments that she had made. These
were the little gifts that she offered to each guest. I
took one and after looking over the very pretty ornament I
realized I probably could do the same thing, so I made a
couple of ornaments for gifts as well. Then I started
thinking I could make a pair of earrings. Originally I
would only make them as a special gift for someone who seemed
to need a little boost. Then people started asking me to
make special pieces for them and now I just let my
imagination go and grow. When one of my photography
teachers constantly questioned why I always took pictures of
rocks I replied, there is a story in there and I’m just
trying to capture it. I feel the same emotions with the metal
and stones.”
|