| On
a path to gain more knowledge of her Native American heritage, Oregon
artist Deanna Wohlgemuth abandoned the corporate world in media sales
to find balance, as the connection to her ancestors pulled her into a
relationship with Mother Earth. She has answered to the power of that
connection, and invites others to join her in the journey. Drawing on
the memories of her great grandmother, Pearl Abercrombie, a Cherokee Nation
master weaver, Wohlgemuth is discovering her own contribution as a Native
American artist. Along the path of discovery, she read about Earth medicine, and how minerals and rocks in their native state can impart healing powers to the wearer. Out of that study, Wohlgemuth was drawn to the tangible connection between the Earth and each individual person, a reminder of the connection with the Earth and the beauty that lies within her, as well as the wearer. After claiming her citizenship in the Cherokee Nation, she began to design Totem mineral pieces – based on the books she researched on Earth medicine. Using common stones found on river banks, ocean beaches, and other Northwest adventures, she began to share her discoveries with friends and family members. That led to more elaborate designs for pure fashion, incorporating antique beads and crystals with a wide variety of natural finds. “My daughter and I would find ‘treasures’ on our hikes and adventures, and I began wrapping them so we could wear them,” Wohlgemuth explained. “Rather than keep them in a drawer or hidden away in a box, we’re wearing jewelry that's pretty, provides a memory of where it was found, and also provides a connection to the cycles of the Earth. I’m always amazed at the beauty Mother Nature creates before it’s touched by man.” Because each stone, rock or mineral is unique in shape, size and color, Wohlgemuth’s designs are completely original. “I’ll never have two designs that are exactly the same.” “The wonderful thing about my work is that it can be viewed simply as unique jewelry, but the story behind each piece is often what attracts others to my art. My pieces are keepsakes, and they won’t be out of style next season. Each piece has a story, and the meaning and purpose behind the story is always fashionable because it’s genuine.” |