Artist: Chris Desjardins

Craft Medium:  Metal Artist's Statement: Contemporary bead artist working in semi-precious stone, freshwater pearl, and precious metal to create elegant and mysterious wearable art. Christine conceived the pod series after Katrina as a symbol of Louisiana rising above the swamp to fl ower again. Her Louisiana Lotus pod designs feature custom cast silver pods set with semi-precious or sterling seeds. Garnet, iolite, labradorite (silver moonstone), carnelian, and freshwater pearl all lend their color and lustre to the organic shape of Louisiana Lotus pod necklace or earings. In Asia, the lotus fl ower rising out of the swamp symbolizes the spirit’s ability to bloom in any circumstance.