Leslie Klipper Stewart (hence LK Stewart) has loved all things art since childhood. As a small girl, she would craft clothes for her dolls from scraps of fabric and decorate them with her idea of jewelry–anything she could find that made tiny earrings, bracelets, necklaces and tiaras. If it sparkled and glittered, so much the better.
Later in life, Leslie was drawn to communicating passion, ideas and beauty through her love of art in all forms. This included painting in oils, watercolor and acrylic, to eventually creating unique pieces of wearable art. For years she had, as one friend put it, “a serious jewelry habit” and later took the natural next step of designing and fabricating her own visions of one-of-a-kind, handmade artisan jewelry. Always up for a challenge, Leslie hand makes all the glass flame worked beads in her creations.
A love of form through simplicity, structure and movement, Leslie’s jewelry features a geometrical quality and a strong element of color through the use of precious and semi-precious gems and beautiful glass flame worked beads. A lover of materials and objects that reflect light and color, glass flame worked beads, gemstones and semi-precious metals are a natural medium in which Leslie expresses her artistic vision. Art by LK Stewart is a partnership of all the elements that make Leslie who she is. Bold color, strong yet simple lines, elegance in materials, a bit of the classic with a contemporary twist and movement are the elements you will find in her work.
GRATITUDE: I have so much to be thankful for and so many people to thank. When asked how I got to this point, I reply that I am blessed to have been taught by the BEST! My metal work teachers are my fabrication goddesses and have been kind and generous to share their vast knowledge and encourage me every step of the way. There simply are no words to describe how inspirational and supportive my mentors Deb Jemmott and Connie Fox have been. To see just how special these artists and teachers are, click on the links to their websites in Links. Thank you is insufficient and I am forever in your debt.
I would also like to thank Louise Shadonix, who got me started in metal clay, Jonna Faulkner who added to my skills considerably and the incomparable Heather Trimlett, who helped my lamp work (flame worked beads) skills move to the next level. If you enjoy my work, thank these wonderful, talented artists, for without them, I would still be buying other people’s jewelry. I owe a debt of gratitude to my dear friend and fellow metal smith Laurie Union for her encouragement and constant support. My sister-in-law Elaine Manfra and brother Louis Klipper have been my cheerleaders and their encouragement and enthusiasm for my art is most appreciated!
My final thank yous are to my husband Bob who makes everyday a wonderful adventure and supports my art unconditionally. A talented and award-winning wood artist, Bob’s insight, encouragement, criticism and support helps me to fly. And I can’t forget my studio “supervisors” my Cairn terriers Dunning (who is part of my logo) and Megan (who is pictured with me) for keeping me in line and reminding me on a daily basis of what is really important in life.