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ABOUT
Corey Jill Lakusiak has been handcrafting jewelry since 2009.
She is a self-taught artist who uses Copper, Brass, gemstones, leather, and feathers, to create one-of-a-kind pieces of handcrafted wearable art. Known for her clean lines and attention to detail, Corey Jill's creations are unique + beautiful.
Corey Jill was born and raised in Winnipeg, Manitoba and her artistry is a reflection of a life well lived on the Canadian Prairies.
She lives a simple life and spends much of her time outdoors. It is alone in nature where Corey Jill feels most herself, exposed to the elements... communing with God. She loves to sit and observe the beauty of the natural world (the colours, textures and movements), which is where she receives the inspiration for her creations.
Over the past 17-years, Corey Jill has shared her handmade jewelry in stores and at exhibitions, shows, events, festivals, and markets in: California, North Dakota, South Dakota, Minnesota, British Columbia, Alberta, Ontario, and Manitoba.
I have been making jewelry for 17-years, an artform that I enjoy more with the passage of time.
It all began in 2009, inspired by a bag of brass fishing lures that I had found in my grandfather's tacklebox. I crudely added some leather, feathers, and gemstones, and voila... I had made my first pair of earrings. I can still visualize them, mismatched and rudimentary... but it was love at first creation.
As a child of the 1970’s, I grew up in two opposing worlds: the glitz and glamour of television dance shows like Solid Gold and Soul Train; and, the serene beauty of nature. That dichotomy serves as the inspiration for all of my creations.
I make limited edition and one-of-a-kind pieces of handcrafted wearable art using natural materials: copper, brass, leather, feathers, and gemstones. Inspired by 1970’s era cultural fashion, and the colour, textures, layers, and movements of the Canadian Prairie landscape, I have become known for my unique and beautiful jewelry, quality craftsmanship, and attention to detail.
My jewelry making skills continue to be refined through classes and workshops, which add fresh ideas and new dimension to my work. From sheet metal and spools of wire, I cut, file, hammer, solder, sand, and polish all of the metal that serves as the foundation for each piece. I then hand-cut leather from a hide and attach it to the metal foundation using various techniques. I will then add feathers and gemstones, which are hand-picked and carefully applied. A few pairs of earrings still resemble fishing lures… a nod to my late grandfather, who was an avid fisherman.
“From thought to thing” … it is the process of creation that keeps me coming back to my workbench… that, and in-person events! I enjoy meeting people and watching their faces light-up when they see my work. This often sparks in-depth conversations that may not be had if it wasn’t for a shared affinity for the medium that brought us together.
I am so grateful that God has bestowed this gift on me. He continues to refine me through His fire, a process that is uncomfortable, but very much needed for humility, learning, and growth.
Thank you for visiting my website and taking time to read my story.
Please feel free to reach out and say “hello”.
