Meet the Artist

Donna Carter Koger

 

Originally from New Orleans, my husband and I moved to the Waynesville, NC area in 2006 – one year after Katrina. Since the 90’s, I have been very technical in my professional and private lives. Graphics are fun on a computer but not as satisfying as working with tangible items like beads and metal.

Eventually, I began feeling a strong need to work with my hands instead of just a computer. I began making beaded jewelry (necklaces, earrings, glasses chains, fan pulls) around 2007 and discovered silversmithing in 2008. I have been creating with sterling silver, copper, and beads since then and continue to feel challenged, creative, and accomplished. I especially love sharing jewelry made with my own hands.

I am inspired in my work by all forms of art – jewelry, paintings, sculpture, pottery, whatever comes from a brilliant mind and a deep need for creativity. I am constantly in awe of the imagination and craftsmanship in all art, large or small. I am especially inspired by the Lapidary Artists who create cabachons (stones) used in the jewelry I create. On the right is a red Crazy Lace agate created by Ben Kaniuth. Further inspiration includes fellow jewelers I meet and work with at the Studio3 School of Jewelry Arts.