Vickery Ottaway

I have always had a deep love for pattern, color and shape. My copper patina jewelry pieces possess a simplicity in form with a bold pop of blue-green patina. The patina process is so exciting for me because I never know how the patina will turn out. It is that same feeling that a ceramicist gets when they open a fired kiln. Each piece of copper patina jewelry that I create is unique because of the patina process. I purposely use a thin gauge of copper so all of the earrings will be lightweight and comfortable to wear. 

My upcycled aluminum earrings embrace my love for folk art and the idea of creating something beautiful and functional out of discarded materials. I really enjoy playing with the different colors and patterns displayed on the aluminum cans I source. These pieces are meant to be fun and easy to wear. You might recognize your favorite beverage! The aluminum earrings are very lightweight and comfortable to wear also. 

My leather earrings are hand painted with colorful patterns. The leather used to make these earrings are leather scraps sourced from the private jet airline industry. I have also had fun creating some hand punched tinwork earrings made from industrial sheet metal. 

I was born and raised in Wichita, Kansas where I attended Southeast High School. I studied at the University of New Mexico-Taos and Wichita State University, earning a Bachelor of Fine Arts in drawing and painting. I now live in Peculiar, Missouri with my husband and our children where I will begin teaching elementary art for the Independence School District this fall. I am also a graduate student at Avila University in Kansas City, Missouri where I will soon finish up my Master of Arts in Education.