Pearls and Lotus leaves: Jeweler Barbara Heinrich at Telluride Gallery of Fine Art

26 Dec Pearls and Lotus leaves: Jeweler Barbara Heinrich at Telluride Gallery of Fine Art

[ click play button to hear]

In 2002, jeweler Barbara Heinrich was singled out as one of only five living artists featured in a major exhibit, “Pearl,” produced by New York’s Museum of Natural History, a show that traveled around the world.

As a result of the honor, Barbara became an expert in exotic pearls. “I am now using all kinds of pearls in my work: very large gold-colored South Sea Pearls to create bold pieces of jewelry, freshwater pieces to make pink and peach necklaces and keshi pearls, which are not cultured. The pearl is a lunar symbol representing women and water. Since ancient times, the white orbs have symbolized purity, spiritual transformation, charity, honesty, wisdom, and integrity, the best within us. The lotus flower is also one of the most ancient and deepest symbols on our planet, because it grows in muddy water and rises above the surface to bloom with remarkable beauty. Because the lotus is untouched by impurity, it symbolizes purity of heart and mind. Ithe flower also represents long life, health, honor, faithfulness and good luck. Every important Buddhist deity is associated in some manner with the lotus. Barbara’s latest collection for the Telluride Gallery of Fine Art features new pearl necklaces and lotus leaf earrings. Hear her talk about what inspired this work and why she chose to focus on the lotus leaf, not the flower, by pressing the “play” button on the second and third podcasts in her series.