Claire was recently fortunate enough to tick one more thing off her ‘bucket list’- a trip to the Land of Snows, Tibet. "It was an amazing trip, beginning with the train trip that brought us higher and higher until we reached the 16,000 foot high plateau that Tibet is located on. Breathtaking doesn't do it justice - in more ways than one- altitude sickness strikes hard here" she said and laughed.
Two things struck her from this trip and inspired her long after she returned home, the dedication of the Tibetan people to their religion - Buddhism, and the innate style that Tibetans have.
"For a week we hung out in the main square and watched pilgrims from all over Tibet arrive and complete their prayers and journeys. Young and old, man and woman, all united in their beliefs and dedication. The women in particular were amazing to look at, cowboy-style hats, coral and turquoise jewelry (sometimes even woven through their hair), and beautiful belts with dangling amulets. I took photo after photo trying to capture every facet and I still go back to them for new details and to help remind me of what I saw" she said.
This trip gave her so many ideas and images that she was inspired to incorporate them in her designs for DanuJewelry. From her Tibet trip she got the idea to create the Tibet Amulet Charm Pendant Necklace and the Tibetan Buddhist Charm Bracelet, amongst many others.
The creative process is the one she has repeated over many years of travel to far off lands. "I use pieces of stone, charms, objects and amulets that I find on my trips and build new creations around each one. Each has its own story and, more often than not, I don’t even know where it’s been. Each piece is one-of-a-kind because of this process and because I can never track down the raw materials again once they’re gone" Claire explained.
DanuJewelry is new to Etsy. It opened this month after her daughter encouraged her to try an online shop. "I hope whoever buys these pieces of jewelry can travel vicariously and experience more of this amazing world we live in" she said with a smile.
I hope you enjoyed reading how Claire was deeply inspired to incorporate her travel experiences and cultural influences in her creations. Stay tuned for more such stories by amazing artists and global travelers right here on the 'Global chic blog'.
