WHY I DO WHAT I DO.
In my work, I strive to transform precious metals and stones into pieces that capture the raw elegance of nature through the grace of the human hand. My jewelry is heavily influenced by traditional techniques and organic forms, with each piece crafted to reflect the balance between simplicity and intricate detail. Through my use of materials like sterling silver, pearls, and other semi precious stones, I aim to highlight the natural beauty found in subtle textures, fluid shapes, and soft contrasts.
One of my core inspirations is the Japanese technique of Mitsuro, a method that infuses metal with a flowing, linear texture that feels alive, almost as if it has grown into its shape. This process allows each piece to retain a sense of movement and spontaneity, grounding it in both tradition and contemporary design. I am drawn to forms that evoke the calm yet powerful forces of nature—rolling waves, curling vines, and the gentle contours of stones shaped by time and water.
Each piece I create is a reflection of my commitment to quality craftsmanship and an expression of my connection to nature. I want my work to be more than adornment; I hope it becomes a source of inspiration, strength, and joy for the wearer. Through my jewelry, I aim to celebrate the beauty of simplicity and the quiet allure of natural forms, encouraging us all to carry a piece of nature’s grace with us.
ARTIST BIO
Heather Scott is an artisan jeweler creating sculptural jewelry pieces focusing on mitsuro & organic casting. She has been creating jewelry since 2008.
Mitsuro is a 1300 year old Japanese blended wax technique. Heather starts this process by creating a small batch of her own blend of mitsuro wax, which she then pulls and forms by hand to create pieces with a unique linear texture that is indicative of the mitsuro technique. She then shapes these textural strands into her designs. These wax pieces are then cast into precious metals using the lost wax casting technique.
Organic casting is the process where organic materials, such as plants, are taken and cast into metal. Taking live plants directly from her garden, Heather casts them to incorporate in her designs.
Heather holds a Bachelor of Studio Arts degree from the University of Hawai’i at Mānoa and has taken the Goldsmiths Apprentice Program at the Metal Arts Academy in Auburn, CA. This combination of education gives her a unique style and perspective on adornment and art.
MITSURO
Mitsuro is a 1,300 year old Japanese wax technique. This climate-sensitive wax, Heather makes herself, depending on the season and location, her recipes differ. Making mitsuro wax herself is the only way she knows that she will get the beautiful striations, called hikime, to appear in the wax that are indicative of the technique.
The process begins by blending specific ratios of materials together to create the mitsuro wax. After cooling, the wax is heated to body temperature and hand manipulated by pulling, twisting, and folding. During this process, delicate striations are created in the mitsuro wax. These sweeping lines and grooves lend to the organic shapes and nature inspired designs that Heather Scott utilizes in her wearable sculptures. Finally, the wax form is used to produce a mould which, when metal is added, produces the finished silver or gold jewelry piece.
Accentuation of the striations and textures are created during the finishing process by patination and selective polishing. This technique adds a striking contrast in the fine contours of Heather’s works.
