About Vessel Arts

Vessel Arts is a one woman show...run by me, Leah Janet, out of the little foothill town of Grass Valley.  

Since I was little, I have always admired jewelry.  My mom had a dresser covered with necklaces, bracelets, earrings and rings, all there for me to try on and explore their colors, textures and smells.  I love the smell of metal.  

As I grew older my favorite subjects in school where always art focused, and once I finally finished what felt like schooling requirements, I took my first two day metal smithing class and fell in love.  

I set up a little studio in my bedroom of my Oakland house and began to practice putting pieces of things I love together, eventually finding my way to a couple weeks of silversmithing in Mexico which really got me to understand the delicate art of soldering and inspired me to come home and build a little space in my parents garage to start creating.  It wasn't until two years later in 2014, that I moved into my own studio space in Placerville and really started to dive into silversmithing.  

My art is inspired by the natural world, the forms and functions I am so blessed to observe and be a part of.  I am deeply appreciative of all of the stones this beautiful earth makes, and love using them in my work.  The stones are truly my favorite aspect of making jewelry although I swoon after the metals as well, and the . 

My artistic concepts are inspired by cultural art and symbology, mythology, natural patterns, and all of the scrap pieces of silver that end up on my workbench that somehow take shape.  I attempt to draw out my designs but rarely stick to an idea...the pieces have a plan, beyond me, it is rarely up to me.  

I believe the stones and metals absolutely contain healing properties and each person is drawn to a specific piece for a deeper reason than adornment.  I recommend taking a moment upon seeing a piece you really love, closing your eyes and just feeling what might come through.  The jewelry I make is made with high vibrations and positive intentions.  

After travels and explorations, I moved back to live in the town I grew up in, with my growing family on the property I was born and raised on, and wouldn't want it any other way.  I am fueled by endless support by the loving people around me and truly appreciate and honor the artists before me who paved the way, and who have made it possible for artists like me to make a living doing what we love.  Thank you for your bravery, thank you for your vision.  

-LJ