Twisty Tree Dee.
Dee and I met many years ago when I moved out to British Columbia and she was one of my first friends there. There are so many fond memories to cherish from our various adventures… with art making (meeting as students at Camosun College), what we coined ‘beach shopping’ for our nature finds, and exploring the garage sales and 2nd-hand stores for cool things to re-purpose. With nature and art at our doorstep, we had so much fun exploring areas around Victoria and nearby Vancouver, along with all the seasonal art exhibits and artisan markets that came our way. Creativity, humour, and lots of coffee wove all of our experiences together as we shared ideas, engaged in art as both makers and viewers, and sourced interesting materials or tiny treasures to experiment with. An added bonus was being ‘adopted in’ by Dee and her family for holidays and gatherings while I lived in BC. I was so appreciative of that kindness and generosity, as I often felt the vastness of Canada being so far away from my own family here in Ontario during that time.
I have always been inspired by Dee’s imagination, her process and her endless creativity in all its forms. She does not give herself enough credit in her story below. Similar to my story with Mason, I have enjoyed reconnecting with Dee again via instagram and seeing her creations being celebrated and showcased. Dee’s unique jewelry designs, her ‘creative-constant through life’ (AKA mini sculptures), echo the lines, textures and organic forms of nature while embracing the graphic elements of design. Such a balance of intention and flow. Like many interesting pieces of art, their patterns and details can be studied and revisited. Blessed to have a couple of ‘Dee-signs’ in my jewelry collection that I regularly wear. Thanks so much for sharing your story Dee!
Dee’s Story.
I’ve always considered myself a Jill of many trades, but a master of absolutely nothing. That used to have a negative connotation to me (why can’t I ever be really good at something?) but I see it as a positive now. Every new medium or interest informs everything else I do and makes new creations all the richer for it.
Jewelry Design & Photo Credit: Dee Storey
“Jewelry is a very personal thing… it should tell a story about the person who’s wearing it.”
Jewelry Design & Photo Credit: Dee Storey
In the early 1990's I attended the Camosun College Visual Arts program. I was lucky enough to become friends with April and Mason (whose story you may have read on this blog - if not, I encourage you to do so). I was so out of my league in that program.
Jewelry Design & Photo Credit: Dee Storey
When I went for the initial meeting to go over my portfolio (and I use that word very loosely and a little sarcastically), it was mentioned that I couldn’t just make jewellery (many items were jewellery or small metal sculptures). My immediate (and silent) response was something to the effect of “but I wanna!!”
Jewelry Design & Photo Credit: Dee Storey
This quote from Mason Laver resonated with me: “I can remember sitting in critiques and trying to talk about my work. I just didn’t get it. I faked most of it.” I was always happy when someone thought they had an idea what I was thinking and was pleased to run with that. To this day, with the needle felted wall hangings I do or with jewellery, I’m very happy for people to see what they want. Here's a little secret about what I make - there generally isn’t any deep thought happening, I’m just having fun.
Jewelry Design & Photo Credit: Dee Storey
“These gems have life in them: their colors speak, say what words fail of”
Jewelry Design & Photo Credit: Dee Storey
I started making jewellery in the late 1980's - pounding metal, beading and sculptural leatherwork (think 1980's soap opera jewellery). I remember hanging out in an empty lot with April, pounding metal on rocks and creating different shapes and textures. She's always been an inspiration to me - she sees possibilities in the ordinary.
Jewelry Design & Photo Credit: Dee Storey
Jewellery has always come and gone for me, but in the early 2000's I decided that it was beyond time to learn to solder - I have fingers that aren’t easy to fit, and I wanted rings that I didn’t need to take in for sizing. That was one of the best decisions I’ve made. I took a short course through one of the recreation centres in town, and while the instructor was not terribly encouraging towards my fledgling on-my-own attempts, I persevered.
Jewelry Design & Photo Credit: Dee Storey
I always say that I have just enough knowledge to be dangerous - sometimes not knowing the “correct” way to do things frees you up to try the “wrong / odd” ways… it doesn’t always work, but it teaches.
Jewelry Design & Photo Credit: Dee Storey
No matter my hobby of the month, I always come back to jewellery. The metal, the beauty of the stones, the possibilities of what can be created - it's all so pleasing.
Jewelry Design & Photo Credit: Dee Storey
The magic of fire and heat and the effect it has on metal is constantly inspiring. I love texture, and there are so many ways to achieve it.
Jewelry Design & Photo Credit: Dee Storey
I like watching people’s faces around art jewellery - there’s an excitement at finding that one of a kind piece that brings me just as much joy as it brings them.
“Transformation, punch, individuality: One or all of the above are why you should wear jewelry.”
Jewelry Design & Photo Credit: Dee Storey
I love walking into my studio, having no clue what I’m going to make, and then finding a scrap from another project that inspires.
Jewelry Design & Photo Credit: Dee Storey
“Jewelry has the power to be this one little thing that can make you feel unique.”
Jewelry Design & Photo Credit: Dee Storey
I have a full time job, so I don’t have to make a living from my artistic endeavours. I don’t generally take commissions, so I am lucky enough to make what I want to make, and not have to look at the bottom line (or at least I can look a lot less!). It’s very freeing to just have to please my brain, and hope that others enjoy what I'm making.
— Dee
Jewelry Design & Photo Credit: Dee Storey
“Layering is the best way to express yourself through jewelry; each piece makes a statement, each piece has its story and if curated and layered well, it can enhance your look and make sure you stand out. ”
Follow-Connect with Dee.
IG • @twistytreedee.
Web • www.twistytree.com
Etsy Shop • The Twisty Tree
“I have a background in visual arts, and have worked in community theatre, usually dealing with costuming. I love jewellery and fibres, and I’m so pleased to work with both. I live in Victoria, British Columbia - an area full of natural inspiration.”