A former church near the corner of Center and Saginaw streets resembles an old world castle’grand, spacious and stately. Yet, once inside Suzanne Johnson Sculpture and Jewelry Design’provides an atmosphere of elegance and grace similar to the prestigious art galleries of New York or Paris.
‘Once a former church, it’s a very inspiring place for me to create,? said Johnson, who spent more than two years remodeling the classic structure. ‘I feel as though designing jewelry and sculpture are my natural forms of expression.?
An art collection spanning more than 20 years of Johnson’s work is on display in the structure a reflection of extensive travels to Brazil, Thailand and Sri Lanka where she owns a home in the mountains near the Ceylon sapphire mines. Johnson personally selects gems including ruby, tourmaline, blue and pink sapphires, alexandrite and other rare gems from local miners which she incorporates into her jewelry designs.
‘I look through thousands of loose gems and only select the 10 best stones,? said Johnson.
‘In all my jewelry creations, I use only the finest gems and diamonds.?
Johnson carves from wax beautiful rings and pendants which are then cast into 18 karat gold or platinum. Each piece of jewelry is like a ‘miniature sculpture.? Her engagement ring designs are truly incredible. A gemologist, Johnson also specializes in fine diamonds more than one karat in size mined from Canada’s extreme northern regions. The rare mixture of designer jewelry and life-size bronze sculptures gives the gallery a museum-like atmosphere.
Suzanne sculptures evoke a life-like sense of motion.
Recently, Johnson completed a commission on behalf of the Flint Institute of Music, sculpting two portraits of Flint Symphony Maestro, Enrique Diameke. Both bronzes will be on permanent display, one at the Flint Institute of Music and the other at the Palace of Fine Arts in Mexico City.
Suzanne Johnson, Sculpture Jewelry Design 102 Center Road Grand Blanc, (810) 695-1800.
www.SJSculptureDesign.com. Tuesday-Friday 11 a.m.-7 p.m., Saturday 11 a.m.-4 p.m.