Inside the Artist’s Studio: Janine Gerade
Written by Arlene Chaplin:
Janine Gerade, jewelry designer, illustrator, teacher, graphic designer and painter, works in her studio at Holliston Mill. Of all these many talents, her true passion is jewelry making.
Janine’s studio is filled with color and sparkles from the beads and semi-precious stones she uses in her jewelry. Paintings hang everywhere, decorating her walls. She is currently on a new path, beginning to paint in the abstract using acrylics and oils.
Overcoming creative blocks is a challenge to all artists. Janine formerly owned a florist shop in Needham and uses the colors and textures of flowers as a primary source of inspiration. She keeps current in jewelry making by attending bead shows where new tools for her craft inspire her to try new techniques.
Her jewelry pieces are truly unique. She uses handmade beads, a piece of art inside a pendant frame, a vintage treasure she found in an antique shop. She has a story about each piece. All the chains she selects for necklaces and pendants are uniquely fitted to each piece and chosen to complement the pieces. She wants all her jewelry to be comfortable on the wearer, no heavy earrings or snagging chains.
The piece that made the biggest impression on me was a re-work of an old watch. Janine disassembled a watch and e-worked pieces to make a delicate assemblage.
Janine studied at the Art Institute of Boston and Mount Ida College.
