In the heart of every metalsmith there lives a scientist: a chemist and an engineer. The scientist is that part of the metalsmith's being that thrives on the experiment. It is the one that asks the endless "what ifs" and pushes the limits of the metals. 

When British jewelry artist Jane Adam first discovered anodozing, it was an industrial process, used to provide aluminum with a surface that would accept color. Adam experimented with it for a year before achieving the effects she desired, and continues the process of testing and challenging the medium to this day. Adam brings to Patina her newest collection of feather-light, anodized aluminum jewelry. Cuffs, earrings, brooches and necklaces gleam warmly with painterly hues punctuated by accents of strong color.  The surfaces are softly matted, imparting an iridescence like Shantung silk. She adds dramatic texture by heating the metal orcutting holes and milling it. This also "crazes" the color, breaking up the pigment to subtlely diffuse the color and when complete, the metal truly resembles the Asian textiles she loves.Adam's studied at Manchester Polytechnic and Royal College of Art in London. "I came to aluminum during the 'New Jewelry' movement of the late Seventies, when jewelers were exploring new materials and means of expression within their art, and werequestioning the traditional focus of jewelry on the preciousness of its components…Being of a persistent nature, I also enjoyed doing primary research into using a material which was under-explored in the artist’s studio. Its structural limitations forced me into new ways of forming and assembling the pieces."  Forms found in Nature provide the basis for her creations. She works with shapes that curve and sweep, and with softened, voluminous forms. Again, the scientist comes forward: "I am interested, too, in the mathematical order of organic forms. I begin withbalanced geometrical proportions…and use sequences to create structure. The resulting jewelry comes alive when it then finds a wearer, forming a sensual relationship with her and becoming part of the expression of herself."

Adams' reputation in England is enormous. She is considered an important pioneer in the art jewelry movement. Her success is surely a function of her artistry and painterly approach to color, as well as her tireless exploration of aluminum's possibilities. New to the works that Adams brings to Patina are a group of fine silver pieces. Since color and texture must have expression in her works, she combines her variously textured silver works with beads of colorful semi-precious stone. This is a new direction for the artist.