Lori Simmons-Cameron began her interest in jewelry art with simple beading class work at Bucknell University in Lewisburg, PA. Following a successful 15 year career in broadcast journalism, it was time to leave the full-time fast track and freelance in commercials and voiceover work. She picked up a part-time position in an orthodontic lab, creating retainers and other removable appliances for orthodontic patients. This involved precise training in wire work. “I love the detail, focus, and precision involved in wire working. It naturally translated to my love for making jewelry, and so began my experimentation with wire artistry. I’ve been taught by such prestigious artists as Connie Fox (www.jatayu.com) in SanDiego, "Beaducation" (www.beaducation.com) instructors Lisa Niven-Kelly and Barb Switzer in San Francisco, Dallas Lovett in Phoenix, award winning goldsmith Michael David Sturlin in Santa Fe, Dale “Cougar” Armstrong in Tennessee, and Robert Dancik (www.fauxbone.com) both at Touchstone Studios in Pennsylvania and a Master Class at the Mid-Cornwall School of Jewellery, Cornwall, England. I opened Etrenne Studio in 2002 and concentrate on gallery, retail, and commissioned work plus the occasional juried art show.
Other techniques Lori enjoys incorporating into her work are setting stones in gold, silver, and copper. Metalsmithing and forging metals is a favorite, along with PMC and Art Clay which transform into fine silver when fired in a kiln.
Lori lives in Bel Air, MD. Her studio is, conveniently, in her home where she can keep a loving eye on her 4 cats, 3 dogs, 5 birds (3 cockatoos), and 2 ferrets. Her work has sold nationally and has even made its way to the United Kingdom and the Netherlands via her website and gifting by repeat Maryland customers! She is now proudly showing and selling her work to fine retail jewelry stores in the Denver, Colorado metropolitan area and at the Arts by the Bay Gallery in Havre de Grace, Maryland, where she is teaching jewelry design classes to experienced and beginning designers!
