Terri Helmer
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Art is a way of life, a means of expression for personal growth and self-actualization. I’ve created things all my life but when I came to New Mexico, I knew this was where my creative talents could flower. The geology and culture are inspiring here and the spectacular sunrises and sunsets inspired me to move into working with glass, an endlessly fascinating medium. I can also express my love of the Earth in my contemporary jewelry creations by using the gorgeous things she provides for us with beads and cabochons. I was drawn to the medium of fused dichroic glass because it captures the essence of light; it is colorful, bright and sparkles. I suspect there is a magpie in all of us–a lover of shiny and colorful things with which we want to surround ourselves. It catches other people’s eyes as well. I’m happiest when repeat customers comment on how happy it makes them to wear one of my pieces and how many compliments they receive on a piece of jewelry and I love hearing about how people who have given my jewelry as gifts around the world say how pleased the recipients are with their gift. I feel a personal connection to everybody who owns one of my pieces and I wish I could get to know them!