My name is Sonia Turanski. A lifelong creative spirit, I attended both CalArts and California College of Arts and Crafts, graduating in 1984 with an honors degree in studio art. At CCAC I was privileged to study with renowned metalsmith, Florence Resnikoff. Although Florence was extremely encouraging of my metal art, I did not pursue jewelry - or any other fine art form as a career. Instead I first moved into an Aikido (Japanese Martial Arts) dojo as a full time apprentice for 18 months, and then moved to Seattle, WA where I became a massage therapist.
While in Seattle I married my sweetheart and had a child. When our son was 4 we moved across the country to a small coastal community in Downeast Maine. Being a wife, mother, and massage therapist kept me busy for many years, but the only thing constant is change. After a 32 year hiatus I returned to making jewelry in 2014.
I have had to re-teach myself all the basics of metalwork - and teach myself for the first time many new skills such as cloisonné and keum boo. I am grateful for crossing paths with several other fine jewelers, as well an inspiring mentor and talented artist, Nisa Smiley, whose earrings I am wearing in the above picture.
Thank you for taking time to find out about me and my journey. I send love and good tidings to you and yours.