In my early years in jewellery designing I've been quite blessed to be recognized a few times in the Manitoba Jewellers Association's designing competitions. My designs back in 2004 wasn't as complex as my newer more sophisticated pieces but none the less it captured the attention of the local designing community with my very first entry in the MJA 2004 competition winning the People's Choice Award. As I've grown in this artistic realm I learn a few different techniques but nothing has ever changed in my principles in creating my pieces, they have to be exceptional and stunning. My designs are always about the client and it has to be a reflection of their individuality, after all a piece of jewellery is something very personal and truly special.
My competition pieces are my own artistic flare but yet considering the fact that it is an in-stock item that I would be able to sell after judging. All my competition pieces never failed to entice a list of new clients, and these pieces are often sold within a couple of months right after a competition, two even sold before it was submitted for judging. For me it's better than a first place finish since I created something that not only someone admires but a piece they would actually want to own, a piece they would wear.
AWARDS and COMPETITIONS participated
2004 Manitoba Jewellers Assoc. design competition-People's Choice Award
2005 Manitoba Jewellers Assoc. design competition-3rd Place Technical Merit/Division II
2006 Manitoba Jewellers Assoc. design competition-entry for final judging
2007 Manitoba Jewellers Assoc. design competition-2nd Place Technical Merit/Division II
The most stunning and breath taking pieces I have ever created would be the ones I custom made for my clients whether I am redesigning their jewellery or creating something from exotic gems and new gold stock. Some clients gives me the freedom to conceive really radical designs where I get to explore new ways to present my concepts. Some stay with a more simplistic design that I can introduce subtle detailing. I am confident that no detail will be overlooked nor compromised in any of my creations.
In these early years I managed to build a faithful clientele that brings their families and friends over for me to create their own Dodgie Dator design. Some just comes in to say hello and check out my showcase or sketches if there's anything that they might want as their next purchase or project.
