GERI VERBLE
gverb2@comcast.net
505-867-4839  Cell # 259 - 4913
TRIBAL BEAR DESIGNS - www.tribalbear.com
Tribal, Ethnic and Contemporary Jewelry

Geri Verble, a Placitas jewelry design artist, specializes in tribal and ethnic jewelry. Verble developed a passion for collecting ethnic beads and pendants while travelling with the Peace Corps.  Bead collecting not only became a passion for her, but a journey into learning about the history of beads.  Majoring in Theatre Arts in college, Verble’s focus was in Stagecraft Design. This sense of design has influenced her work in creating one-of-a-kind, exceptional designs.

“I begin my design by choosing a bead or pendant that I have collected from around the world. Many of these treasures come from 3rd world countries as well as co-ops that work with some of the world’s poorest people. There is much intrigue found in international artisan work. Each ancient bead and ethnic ornament tells a story and has a spiritual energy that flows through each piece. That energy guides me as I design.  From the intricate work of the African lost wax brass beads, to the silver repousse pendants from Nepal, or the masterful metalwork of the Tuareg desert men from Niger, these stories take us to a different time and place and remind us that somehow we are all connected.  I believe designing in harmony with the Earth can create jewelry that satisfies the human spirit.”

Over time, my work has evolved into more contemporary designs using jewelry to reflect feelings and ideas, to tell a story or define emotions.  Currently, I am working with aluminum wire to create a modern style that symbolizes nature's way of taking and giving back life to earth.  It represents the infinite nature of energy, meaning if something dies it gives new life to another.