EFFIE BAKER DESIGNS
Artist Effie Baker began taking courses at Emily Carr, Vancouver School Board, and Vancouver Community College after being a whitewater river guide for over twenty-five years. Effie wished for a more creative field and became particularly interested in metalsmithing, which held infinite possibilities.
Effie has lived almost exclusively near the sea and water. She became interested in using ocean beach pebbles found in front of her cabin on Texada Island off the west Coast of Canada. Attracted to simple, clean lines and natural elements, her designs are derived from nature and are organic and practical. She found that her outdoorsy lifestyle meant that she was most attracted to jewellery that was less fussy and could be worn casually. She makes jewellery that is often understated with classical design.
“Possibly the most enjoyable part of using beach pebbles is the countless hours spent scouring the beaches for perfect pebbles.” – Effie Baker
Effie spends half the year in Mexico where she is drawn to the beautiful colours and designs of the indigenous artists. She has been painting using acrylics which fulfills her need for colour. While in Canada, she almost exclusively spends her studio time as a jeweller and primarily uses pebbles in her designs. With a desire to always learn ways and implement new ideas and techniques, Effie has been collecting an assortment of tools and supplies that she wants to use but often runs out of time as she works much of the time solo. Her husband has been an invaluable member of her studio team.