Roots and wings pendant:
Sterling Silver, Gold, garnet

Artist’s Statement
The jewellery I am currently working on is about the investigation and manipulation of materials.  Mastery of technical skill combined with my personal aesthetics.  “Beautiful things are valuable and useful precisely because they are beautiful.’  This quote by John Ruskin is close to my own heart.  I find it uplifting to surround myself with objects of beauty.
The imagery found in Nature functions as a reminder of the eternal continuity of the rhythm of the seasons and, with that, our own rituals and traditions.
The pieces are deliberately difficult to place in time to further connect us to a valued past and to emphasize the belief that in order for us to move forward we must understand what has been learned and cherished before us.

Biography
Sonja Neven started her career in 1978 as the youngest marketing member of the Saskatchewan Craft Council.  Originally working with textiles she became interested in metals after moving to Alberta in 1993.  Currently in the final year of the Jewellery and Metals BFA Program Sonja has earned the respect of her colleagues for her unique style and vision.  Her work has been exhibited and added to collections across Europe, the United States and Japan.
Sonja’s success comes from her continuing commitment to the learning and love of her chosen field.
Sonja lives in Cochrane Alberta where she maintains an independent studio practice.