Petrified Wood Jasper Set (Necklace and Earrings)

Larisa Vaserman

My name is Larisa Vaserman, I am creating unique designs from various Beads and Stones, using antique and modern materials and found objects. I find inspiration in the designs and creations of other Artists, having collected an extensive library of illustrated books on Ancient, Modern, and Ethnic Jewelry of the World.

Over many centuries of Human History, Jewelry as well as other kinds of Body Adornments, have expressed an array of meanings in people’s lives like social position, individual wealth, marital status, self-esteem… Jewelry can symbolize different messages such as security, wisdom, elegance, and prosperity, as well as make you feel confident and beautiful.

I grew up in the former Soviet Union, my family was an average family of not so wealthy (yet highly educated) Engineers, with not so many relatives left after the II World War and other atrocities of the 20th Century in that part of Eastern Europe.
I didn’t have any Jewelry, but was always fascinated by it. I emigrated to the USA in 1989. At first, I settled in Los Angeles, where I was working as a Programmer Analyst. As a release from the computers during these years, I developed a passion for beads and semi-precious stones from which I started to design jewelry.

It was just a hobby then, but it turned into an occupation when I was diagnosed with serious Depression and Anxiety, and then later with Multiple Sclerosis. Finally I had to leave my job as a Senior Programmer Analyst at the Insurance Company when the progressive Multiple Sclerosis resulted in the Permanent Disability. Since then, my Art of Jewelry design and making has become my therapy and my healing.

I do believe that Arts, Crafts, and Creativity are important means to remember and understand and value our Roots and various Ethnic Traditions and different Cultures since we all live in such a diverse country. America makes so much available for us to learn and to know, to find and to create.

In 2008 I was especially honored to be accepted as one of the artists for the Disney Hall Store of the Los Angeles Philharmonic Association, one of the most prestigious and important places where Music, Art and Beautiful Creations come together from all over the World.
Email: laraxlv@gmail.com
Website: necklessandmore.wordpress.com