Woven Gemstone Sculptures  are a self-developed, additive technique, braiding gemstone beads onto precious metal wire and sculpting strands into representative forms.  "Blessings  describes my intentions and the purpose of my art, while Woven Gemstone Sculpture  describes the physical representation of my art."  Blessings  are one-of-a-kind flora, fauna, celestial bodies & symbols, each exhibiting different weave patterns in the design which is based on multi-cultural symbolism & stone lore.  Birds & mammals display a linked coil technique.  Complementary mineral bases are often incorporated to complete a piece.  "My international experiences sparked an interest in studying cultural (especially indigenous) similarities, differences, and folklore.  By sharing my interpretation of this folklore, I hope others will connect with our rich, cultural, planetary heritage.  All peoples share similar desires, goals & dreams.  We want fulfilling lives while caring for those we love.  And we want to understand the world around us.  My ultimate goal is to inspire and motivate people to look beyond the imaginary boundaries of country & ethnicity, so they can focus on cherishing our global home including everything & everyone that is a part of it."

For Jule, the concept & meaning of each piece she sculpts is more important than the physical representation (i.e., sculptural or functional).  For example, the Basket of Good Fortune is meant to attract and collect positive energies; it is a sculpture in the shape of a basket.  "The challenge is in creating something holistic, something with unity.  By chosing minerals & crystals with complementary folklore, I create a piece that isn't simply beautiful, it is infused with meaning on multiple levels, giving it greater depth."  Jule's interpretation of the symbolism & stone lore is included with each piece.

During the first 6 years, Woven Gemstone Sculpture evolved from simple 2D symbols to complex 3D wildlife.  "It's incredibly exciting to have so much success at shows & in competition in 2005-6.  Pioneering a non-traditional sculptural style can be challenging; juries & judges are beginning to 'listen' to what I have to say, instead of making assumptions based on rigid definitions."

2005 was the Year of the Dragonfly!   2006 became the year of Allied Artists of West Virginia and Jule spent most of her time on the Juried Exhibition and VP duties. At the end of the year, Jule's husband had a heart attack, and she now devotes all of her time to caring for him and her son. It is unknown when Jule will be able to devote time to art once again, but 2007 will most likely be the Year of Reflection.

At 12, Jule wrote her first book.  At 16 she graduated high school, and at 17, she operated a successful orchid business while working full time for a computer manufacturer.  She graduated Suma Cum Laude at 27.  Jule celebrated her 30th birthday while living in Guatemala, studying medicinal plants under the tutelage of a Mayan medicine woman, who became her sister.  She married at 34, followed exactly nine months later by the birth of her first child.  At 40, she reflects on a life that is "better than I could have ever imagined!"

Born in California, Jule coped with abandonment, homelessness & abuse.  She left home at 16 to make it on her own.  Carrying the victim template, she didn't manage any better, until one day, she found her voice.  Her life improved so slowly, she didn't recognize the feeling of happiness until she had experienced an entire year of tears.  Gratitude blossomed like a flower, and her new life truly began.  One day, many years later, Jule realized, "I love my life!"

Jule has degrees in Business, Horticulture & Ag. Education.  She is an active volunteer & fundraiser, published author, experienced teacher & speaker, and devoted mother.  She believes in living harmoniously with Gaia and learning from the peoples who have shared our global home.  "I joined Peace Corps, not to make a difference in other people's lives, but to make a difference in my own life.  I wanted to force myself to grow in new ways, to be challenged, and to rise above my limitations.  And I did make a difference in other people's lives, people that I have grown to love dearly, feel blessed to know, and that have taught me so much."

Jule currently resides in West Virginia, the friendliest place you could live.  She was a full-time artist selling minerals on the side.  "I keep insisting I'm not a rock shop even though I'm importing over 1500 lbs directly from Africa each year!  My intention is to have gemstone bases around to inspire me; now the entire front half of the house is devoted to my creative pursuits."

Jule is currently Vice President of Allied Artists of WV and a member of the International Sculpture Center, Michigan Guild of Artists and Artisans, and Ohio Designer Craftsmen.  Other recent service includes the leading the Summer Reading Program for Roane County Libraries, leading a Croning Ceremony at Universal Light Expo, and developing a Labyrinth for the Self Health & Awareness Expo. Past service includes the WV Herb Assocation, WV Sustainable Fair, and Mountain State Organic Growers & Buyers Assocation.

Copyright © 2002-2007 Blessings^TM. The artist, Jule Darling-Lane, reserves the copyright on concept, techniques, all work, written descriptions and images of work, regardless of how and where displayed or of physical ownership. No reproductions of any kind may be made or will be made by any person or group of persons, per The Copyright Act of 1976. This includes the background photo of labradorite.