Anne Hanson finds Joy in Creating Jewelry

Story by Janice Toth

The art of designing and making silver jewelry requires many steps along the way - cutting the metal, molding it into the desired shape, filing, soldering and polishing the finished piece. These steps are well known to Dunstable resident and silversmith, Anne Hanson. Her skill for making fine silver jewelry began during art school, and over the years she has developed her own unique style of earrings and bracelets. Many Groton and Dunstable residents are familiar with her work as she has exhibited with the Dunstable Artisans during their October Show for many years.

Working in her home studio she has all the necessary tools that are required for a silversmith, only now those tools have been modified to fit her needs.

In the summer of 2004 Anne experienced a stroke which impaired her speech as well as her motor skills. Since that time, she has been unable to grasp anything with her right hand making work in her studio extremely difficult. With the support of her husband, Pete, and her three daughters, Ivana, Eleanor and Stephanie, Anne has made tremendous strides forward and is enjoying the same activities as before, including her work in silver.

During the course of nearly eight visits to her home, the Massachusetts Rehabilitation Commission's Assistive Technology Center helped to update her studio space, creating methods and tools that make all the steps possible for Anne to work. She now uses a foot pedal to operate the metal cutter, her soldering area has been carefully designed so she can manipulate the acetylene torch with accuracy, and other devices such as the rolling mill, jig saw and metal polisher Anne is able to operate with the use of her left hand. Her enthusiasm is evident, and she states that her jewelry is even more intricate and detailed now.

For inspiration, Anne looks to forms in nature such as waves on the ocean or rolling hills. There are gentle curves in her work and she adds texture and pattern to the metal that may look like different types of leaves or rain drops. Each piece of jewelry is unique, even though she creates several with the same basic design in mind. Anne has been back in her studio for about four months now, working most afternoons. She is really excited by the possibilities that lie ahead of her. The Dunstable Artisans are also excited that Anne will again participate in their Annual Show on Oct. 21 and 22 at the Groton North Middle School. She has been a valuable member for many years and it's wonderful that once again her beautiful work will be on display for the public to enjoy.