Origin Story
Posted by Marnie Burch on
I’m always trying to strike a balance, create harmony when I can. It’s definitely all about the journey because I’m not even close to a destination!
I’m Marnie Burch, a jewelry artist from Albuquerque, New Mexico. My love of pattern and symmetry pervade and suffuse my art, particularly my jewelry. I always try to make my pieces structured and peaceful, deceptively simple, eye-catching without screaming, pieces I myself wear.
Since childhood I’ve been both artistic and analytical—drawing architecture and pretty flowers while programming and building servers. My art degree emphasized drawing and photography and introduced me to jewelry making. After graduating from college, I began a successful career in IT, often losing touch with my creative side. But no regrets! I gained invaluable skills.
I have the heart of an artist and the brain of a techie (and a Trekkie, let’s be honest). So when I got to a point in my life where I felt completely off-kilter--when my techie brain was in complete control and my artist heart was far too small--I knew I had to make a drastic change. After 15 years in an IT career that I liked but that dominated my life, leaving little room for my true heart, I quit my job to focus solely on something I truly love.
Combining sterling silver, polymer clay, and precious and semi-precious stones, I'm once again uniting my technical and artistic abilities to create truly unique necklaces, earrings, rings, and bracelets.
Now I’m slowly allowing myself to let go, allowing myself to dream again, to be free and in control of my own life (as much as any of us can be).
And knowing that you’re sharing a piece of this very long journey with me makes me smile. I hope my work makes you smile, too.
