Susan M. Craver holds up one of her jewelry designs at her studio in York City. She says that her art "is something I am compelled to do." (Bill Kalina Photo)
Susan M. Craver is a jewelry maker and runs her own studio, Designs by Suzen in York City. In particular, she uses semi-precious stones as focal points of wirewraps and mountings on hand-knit silk collars or neck pieces. Beyond her jewelry work, she also does a wide variety of knitting and crocheting.

How long have you been doing this, and how did you get started in your art? In 1993 I started silversmithing classes at the Yorktowne Chapter of the Guild of Craftsman. I studied three semesters with Ross Raffensberger, followed by two semesters each with Carole Nichols and Bill Thompson. I was juried by the Guild at the local level.

How much time do you spend on your work? Time spent varies from week to week, depending if I have a show or orders. At present, I would say 10-15 hours.

Do you work another job? Yes, I have a full-time job. I am an outside sales insurance agent, dealing with business insurance. I have over 200 clients in the York area with whom I conduct business.

What inspires your art, and what does it mean to you? My inspiration comes from people and nature, the love of beauty, form, color and textures. I see beautiful stones and fibers and am drawn to transform them into wearable art.

In what ways does your work touch others or influence the community? Creating artwork is a very internal process. It is something I am compelled to do. If it is appreciated by others, that is a plus. My gift is no greater than anyone

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else's. We all add to the community and others by sharing who we are, by concentrating on the beauty and positive nature of life. For me sharing creativity is the same as sharing spirituality. My overall philosophy of life is to brighten the corner where I am. In that aspect, it is very important to influence other people.

Do you have a Web site? My Web site is started and should be finished very soon: www.suzencraver.com.

Artist's Cove is published in The York Dispatch on Wednesdays. It introduces members of the local arts community. Visual and per forming artists who would like to be considered for this feature may contact The York Dispatch at news@yorkdispatch.com.