LORI AKS ROSENBERG, PsyD
As an undergrad I studied Developmental Psychology and participated in research on Attachment theory. I took these interests to Rutgers Graduate School of Applied and Professional Psychology to complete a PsyD in Clinical Psychology. Following my internship at Columbia Presbyterian Hospital I worked in an inpatient psychiatric setting and was Associate Director of Psychology. When I started a family I transitioned to private practice in Springfield NJ where I’ve practiced for the past 34 years. I also supervise Rutgers doctoral students on their clinical work.
As an empty nester I looked for an artistic outlet and began learning Metalsmith Arts at the Visual Arts Center of NJ and was immediately hooked on the complexity of creating handmade jewelry. As I became more proficient, I began to explore ways to bring my worlds together. Developing themed collections was a way to express my feelings and observations as a psychologist in artistic expression. My art jewelry collection is an effort to visually show the importance of secure attachments for our mental health. It brings me full circle to the interests I’ve always had and my observations as a therapist. I’ve made a commitment to donate 10% of sales from my art jewelry to NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness) to further their community efforts to destigmatize mental illness.
Spring Forward Earrings
(Silver and Gold Fill Metals, Rose cut Prehnite,
hang 2" from ear)
My artistic voice draws from a career as a practicing psychologist where I find beauty in relational bonds. My art jewelry designs use curving forms, texture, negative space, mixed metals, gemstones and prongs or bezels to convey emotion, human form and connection. I strive to create one of a kind wearable sculptures that fit well into everyday life but also might start a conversation.
I’ve chosen the Spring Forward Earrings for submission this year in keeping with the theme Return to Joy. They were created for the Vernal Equinox which translates to new and fresh (latin for vernal) and balanced (equinox) to express the joy of transition to the spring season and more generally to a return to more open connection with people and activities enjoyed before the start of the Pandemic.
The hand fabricated earrings feature sparkling rose cut mossy agate prehnite cabochons set in fine silver and surrounded by a gold open wire frame. I have cut out my signature form shapes on the back of the bezel so light shines through the natural mossy inclusions in the stones. To me the pieces represent a joyful return to life with a grounded reality of challenges still ahead and a figure in the distance to remind us of what we have been through and dispel the loneliness of these days.
I have studied Metal Arts at the Visual Arts Center of NJ for the past decade and during the pandemic started a home studio to continue making art jewelry. I have shown work at the Visual Arts Center Member Shows, have won awards at the Martha’s Vineyard Agricultural Fair for my metalsmith entries and I’ve participated in craft fairs and shows in NJ, Chicago and NYC. I am currently serving on the Members Committee at the Visual Arts Center. In December, 2021 My jewelry was included in an article about Fordite in JCK Magazine and featured in an article about Open Forms in Belle Armoire Jewelry Magazine.