Jewelry

Ocean House Artisan in Residence Program continues with jewelry designer Dora Szekely - The Westerly Sun

WESTERLY — Westerly native Dora Szekely started making jewelry — out of beads and wire — when she was nine years old. These days the accomplished goldsmith and jewelry designer, known for using "ethically sourced metals and handpicked gemstones," specializes in custom jewelry — mainly rings – in her second floor studio on 181 Main St. called Liv and Lov. Her ongoing love affair with jewelry continues to burn as brightly and curiously as it did when she was given a jeweler's unusual box of materials two decades ago, she said.

"My goal is to have a jewelry business that helps change the world for the better," said Szekely, who wants her clients to "know the names of everyone who touched your materials and brought them from the Earth to your hand."

This has not been an easy task for the artist who has traveled the world over the last nine years, and taken three trips to Southeast Asia in order to "source gemstones directly."

A "Fairmined Certified," jewelry maker who uses "Fairmined Gold and Silver when possible, recycled when not," Szekely said she sources "from the smallest of the small businesses" which primarily owned by women. 

Fairmined, a term coined by the Alliance for Responsible Mining, is "an assurance label that certifies gold from empowered responsible artisanal and small-scale mining organizations," according to the organization's website.

Liv & Lov’s designs revolve around Szekely's belief that "jewelry's story should be beautiful from the Earth to your hand. Because People and the Earth matter," she said.

It was Szekely's mom, the noted photographer Maria Scaglione, who guided the young artist on her way when she connected her daughter with local silversmith Mary Anne Sherman when the young silversmith turned 13.

"My passion for design has grown ever since," said Szekely, who has developed a reputation for using "ethically sourced metals and handpicked gemstones." "The manner in which I create is inspired by people and nature; the designs by nature, world travels, and connections. But above all by beauty, all pieces no matter the inspiration are created to be admired and beautiful.”

Szekely will share her knowledge and teach guests how to create custom earrings this weekend as "Artisan in Residence" in a program created by Ocean House to "to celebrate the arts, foster creativity and offer hands-on education for guests of all ages."

"We’re proud to continue the Ocean House's Artisan in Residence program as a result of a successful first year," said Daniel Hostettler, President and Group Managing Director of Ocean House Management Collection, in an email. "It is an exciting way to support and showcase the arts while giving guests and local residents a unique memory of our destination."

"Guests will have the opportunity to learn about the creative process and build a personal connection with artists they may not ordinarily have met," said Hostettler.

Szekely called it "a great honor" to have been chosen as one of the seven notable artisans for  the 2019-2020 Artisan in Residence Program.

The program features some of the best talent in New England and in the country. Artisans are featured at workshops and presentations for a weekend-long series of events, hosted in the School House Cottage, which was originally built in 1852 and has since been restored.  

Seven artisans were selected for the program based on their unique artistry and technique, and their ability to create interesting educational sessions for guests. Artists and dates include: Lara Henderson, a printmaker, designer and educator who crafts hand sewn books; who will share her work Oct. 11-13; Jessica Meyrowitz, a professional knitter, from Nov. 8-10; Ceramic Sculptor, Jillian Barber, Jan. 18-20; floral designer Amy Potter, Feb. 14-16; harp builder Dennis Waring, from March 20-23; and wood sculptor Mark Perry, from April 17-20.

During each Artisan in Residence weekend, the featured artist will host a Friday evening reception in Ocean House; a Saturday workshop; a complimentary Sunday morning coffee; and a complimentary “Up Close and Personal” presentation, wine and cheese reception on Sunday to close the weekend’s events.

Local residents and overnight guests interested in learning more information or reserving their place at an Artist in Residence event, can visit www.oceanhouseevents.com.