Unique Jewelry
Artist Statement
I’ve been an artist since I was very young, experimenting in ceramics, wearable art, stained glass,
quilts and making books. At present, I am hopelessly captured and completely impassioned by the
world of metal jewelry, primarily with copper, brass, and silver.
I am fascinated by what jewelry people wear – and why. The urge to adorn ourselves seems to
be some ancient drive that stretches back to dawn of mankind.
In my current carnation as a jeweler I am drawn to work that looks old, worked,
and handed down through generations. I want my ‘hand’ to show in my work, for each piece to tell a story of a prior life,
a hint of where it’s been before. No one should ever wonder if my pieces are hand made!
Although Leslie has been a social worker all of her professional life she was inspired
and mentored by her grandmother, a “prodigious artist,” who worked throughout her life in many different media.
Leslie Maya-Charles carries on a family legacy with her one-of-a-kind purses, hand-wrought brass
and copper jewelry, found-object art pins, and wearable fabric art.
Leslie’s work is often whimsical, sometimes thought-provoking, and always fun!
Leslie won her first art show at the age of 10 in Los Angeles. From 1974 through 1976 Leslie was the co owner
of Great American Jewelry Company with retail stores in Manhattan Beach, California and Hermosa Beach, California.
In 1996 Leslie won Best First Exhibitor in the West Tennessee Craft Guild show. Leslie is featured on the
wearable art gallery web site of designer Diane Ericson (dianeericson.com).
Locally, Leslie has exhibited with the Louisville Art Association,
and has donated her work to several area non-profits for their auctions.
Leslie has her work on permanent exhibit at Ojo Caliente Mercantile in Ojo Caliente, New Mexico.
She also has work at The C Gallery in Las Alamos, Californis.
Leslie has also taught mixed media and metal work at the Louisville Art Association.
To Contact Leslie:
Call: 303-666-5537
or Click to Email:
Leslie is a Member of A.C.E. Arts Coalition of Erie