About
“Lauren Anabela is a combination of my birth and adopted name. Born in El Salvador, living most of my life in the United States I found creating, especially using my hands, a rewarding way to expresses myself and honor my culture. Creating keeps me grounding while feeling part of two worlds.
I enjoy the problem-solving challenges of jewelry-making and jewelry adornment is a way for individuals to express themselves. I feel honored thinking of the life my jewelry creations has with those individuals. Where my piece(s) go, experience and to (hopefully) survive well beyond in this world when I am no longer here, is a special reminder of why I create.”
Lauren Anabela is Salvadoran born artist, metalsmith, craft educator and sole proprietor of Creative Dexterity, which launched in 2007. The name reflects the ways in which her hands play a major role in her creative process, whether holding a pencil, hammer, torch or, ultimately, Lauren’s finished work. In a way, creating and dexterity go “hand in hand.”
After taking her first metalsmithing class as a teen Lauren knew this was a passion she wanted to pursue. This led her to the Massachusetts College of Art and Design where she earned her BFA.
Working primarily in sterling silver and copper based alloys Lauren’s design style investigates structure, depth, and kinetic movement. Simple, elegant and lively. Her previous Computer Key Jewelry series, which use upcycled computer keys as a quirky commentary to contemporary culture, was featured in April's 2009 Macworld Magazine and in the book Retrash.
After taking her first metalsmithing class as a teen Lauren knew this was a passion she wanted to pursue. This led her to the Massachusetts College of Art and Design where she earned her BFA.
Working primarily in sterling silver and copper based alloys Lauren’s design style investigates structure, depth, and kinetic movement. Simple, elegant and lively. Her previous Computer Key Jewelry series, which use upcycled computer keys as a quirky commentary to contemporary culture, was featured in April's 2009 Macworld Magazine and in the book Retrash.
Her latest series explores color exploration in metal though the patination process along with a new upcoming collection that focuses on the symbolic trope of death, Memento Mori!
As a craft education Lauren has taught various youth and adult jewelry/metalsmithing courses at the Worcester Center for Crafts, Snow Farm and Metalwerx. She currently resides in Western Massachusetts where she is an active studio artist. For more information about her work or craft education feel free to contact Lauren here!
As a craft education Lauren has taught various youth and adult jewelry/metalsmithing courses at the Worcester Center for Crafts, Snow Farm and Metalwerx. She currently resides in Western Massachusetts where she is an active studio artist. For more information about her work or craft education feel free to contact Lauren here!