Owen McInerney

My designs are unique and are influenced by what I see around me in the everyday. Most of it is influenced by nature; above ground, in the skies and below the seas! Urban centers and architecture also play a significant role in what I make. Shape, color, texture, content, material composition and position, are all important to me, whether it’s a tall building or a tiny pebble on the beach. I’ve been interested in making ‘things’ with my hands from a very early age. Later, at age 13 I took metal-shop in school for several years and then won school prizes for my silver wire jewelry. I loved technical drawing and later completed a degree in engineering design.

After a career in software design, I realized something big was missing in my life. I really missed working with my hands – and have finally made the transition back to making ‘things’ – beautiful things. I’ve attended San Francisco State University metals program and taken various workshops at California College of Arts. Each of my pieces is created by hand in my studio using a mix of metals – gold and sterling silver.