Class Instructor: Darci Shea

When I was a little girl, I lived aboard a sailboat and traveled up and down Central and South America with my family. Through my travels I was inspired by the culture, history, folklore, colors, and the stunning beauty of the nautical world. I would collect shells and sea glass that I would use to create earrings and necklaces and I would sell them to other sailors while we passed I each other in port. These early experience in creating handcrafted goods was the spark that ignited my creative fire. 

     I studied children’s book illustration and metalsmithing at Savannah College of Art and Design in Georgia and Cloisonné enameling from master enamelist Merry-Lee Rae in California. My education gave me tools necessary to begin crafting handmade pieces of art that combine glass enamel and precious metals into vibrant designs that are timeless and visually narrative. 

     While I was honing my craft, I was also working as a licensed boat captain sailing both the East and West coast of the United States and staying connected with my nomadic upbringing. I worked on vessels 20-100 ft long both in sailing and whale watching, while on the weekends I would sell at craft shows my handmade enamel jewelry and accessories inspired by my experiences. I would see sunsets, whales breaching, waves crashing and otters swimming and rush to my studio to include these elements in my designs. Now I create my Cloisonné products full time and continue sailing and traveling seeking inspiration for my next handmade piece. 

Classes Taught By Darci Shea: