Old ways, new technology. Soft felt, hard metal. Nicole Jacquard’s work celebrates contradictions. “Nicole develops exquisitely articulated ideas,” says Gail M. Brown, “often in unexpected media combinations with tactile enticement.”

How she got started: “I don’t remember a time when I wasn’t making things. I’ve made jewelry, specifically, since I was 16.”

How she describes her work: “Mapping a personal geography – using a mix of high- and low-tech. I am very much entrenched in traditional skills and techniques, as well as invested in the tools and technologies of today.”

Her training: “BA from Indiana University, MFA from the University of Michigan, MFA and PhD from the RMIT University in Australia.”

Her biggest artistic influence: “My family. My father is a sculptor, and I have grown up with art playing an integral role my entire life.”

What she’s working on now: “Integrating materials and skills from several disciplines, including wood-carving, slip-cast porcelain, galvanized steel, handmade paper, printmaking and embossing, fabrics, weaving – with innovative tools and technologies to create work that is interactive physically and provides extra information to the wearer/viewer.”

What’s next: “Playing more in general with form, textures, process, and materials – and how they can be incorporated into wearable pieces with the addition of electronics and Arduinos, which are small programmable computer chips.”

Read the rest of the profiles of jewelry artists in this issue.