A cooperative group of local artists bringing beauty to Tucson for more than 35 years

Roni Woolston

Here is our conversation with Roni about her life, work and how she came to create the incredible pieces we’ve been featuring in our front Jewelry Cabinet.

Roni finds joy in her family, pets, home, designing jewelry and cooking. “My husband Clark, daughter Alexis and granddaughter Lily are important beings in my life. And of course I include my Norwich Terrier, Joey and Corgi Benny.

In the past, horses were an important part of my life. I  grew up on a ranch and began riding when I was 4 years old, and continued until I was in my 60’s. For many years, I bred and showed Arabians.” Wow Roni, sounds like an exciting menagerie to live life with!

We asked Roni how she discovered her medium of precious stones and metals…….“I didn’t discover jewelry, it discovered me! I was driving on River Road past St. Philips Church, where I saw a sign advertising pottery classes. I called the number and left a message to sign up. Instead of the pottery teacher calling  me back, it was their jewelry teacher who convinced me to  try jewelry instead.”

I’d had lots of experience selling jewelry in my stores but it had never occurred to me to me to try making it. That was in 2007. My first experience making jewelry was with silver metal clay. As time went on I wanted to expand  my skills, so I began learning metal smithing.

I had the amazing good fortune to have legendary local metalsmith, Sam Patania, as my teacher. He inspired me to me to learn all sorts of different techniques and to enjoy doing it. I am now completely in love with making jewelry. I am delighted that when you’re making it, it takes on a life of its own.  

Because my work is tied into fashion, I see it evolve and change in the same way that fashion does. A certain  portion of my work does follow trends, while the other part follow’s the inspiration of the materials that I am using. I  enjoy greatly combining turquoise with gemstones, and pearls with turquoise, alongside other earthy stones that are so popular in the Southwest. I deeply enjoy moving and bending metal…especially to create interesting cuffs and chains.

Thank you Roni, for sharing a bit about yourself with us at Desert Artisans Gallery. We are so excited to have you join us!

We are Roni’s #1 fans at Desert Artisans Gallery and are thrilled to have her on board creating these eye-popping works of art.

You’re invited to come in and get a close up look at the work of Artist Roni Woolston. Roni and some of our other jewelers are planning a Trunk Show on May 4th so that you can get your Mother’s Day shopping all taken care of. Keep an eye out for details coming soon!

All jewelry art shared in this newsletter by Artist Roni Woolston