cindy cochran - jeweler/sculptor

Who knew that things like century old ivory piano keys, bits of moss, slices of honey comb, or fossilized dinosaur poop could be transformed into wearable art? How about combining vintage glass beads, art clay, and driftwood into sculpted home décor that is both unique and functional? As a lifelog crafter and tinkerer, I’ve always been inspired by the flora and fauna of the natural world and the contents of junk drawers, in equal measure.

A lively thirty-year teaching career gave me my favorite superpower: the ability to make something out of nothing. My lack of formal art training has never hindered my imagination or my willingness ti put unusual elements together in artful ways. I sculpt realistic octopuses onto bottles and place cultured pearls in their tentacles. I burn lyrics into old piano keys, cast my own beads using mosses or beach sand, and seal real insect wings into bee pendants. Each piece has a story that reflects history, nature, or whimsy.

My work can be seen at Gallery 782 Co-Art in Biloxi, the River Gallery in Pascagoula, and Poppy’s in Ocean Springs.