About Me

Janice Hagey  Designer • Artist • Maker
As a metalsmith with a background in graphic design, Janice creates unique jewelry infusing pattern and typography into pieces that are etched, textured and soldered from flat sheet, wire and tubing which blends into a fusion of modern and rustic aesthetic. The recent use of colorful vitreous enamels in many of her pieces adds a bohemian vibe. In addition, being influenced by the natural world has not only led to emulating nature in many pieces, it has also formed the basis of her ecofriendly craftsmanship in which she uses reclaimed precious metals for all of her work. Much of the copper and brass that she now uses has been passed down to her from her father's workbench.


My Story:
Like many makers, I have been creating since I was a kid. I have dabbled with jewelry as a hobby since I was in my twenties, but did not take formal education in it until 1994 when I signed up for a jewelry making class at Pasadena City College. I had also been doing ceramics as a hobby and had a full pottery studio in the various homes I lived in over the years, however I kept feeling the urge to work in metal, so I kept signing up for more classes. The graphic design industry was always my livelihood from the time I was 21, but craft was a passion from early years. In 2001, I transferred to California State University to finish my studio art degree. It was there that I realized I wanted to have a second career in metals. My jewelry professor, Christina Y Smith, advised doing a Master's degree in metals, but I felt then that I really just needed to finish my degree and keep working in graphics. Christina kept one of my pieces to show new students over the years. It always stuck with me that she believed in me.

In 2008, when my parents began having health issues and I needed to be more available for them, I decided to switch to freelancing and make the dream of working in metal a reality. It was a tough decision, because I was a senior designer at a beauty company doing design campaigns for China Glaze nail polish among other brands, but I took the risk and plunged headfirst into the unknown. I invested in a water torch and began a discovery of my aesthetic and growing as a maker. With both my partner and I freelancing, we would take regular excursions to Northern California, where we hoped to relocate. During this time, I attended workshops at Revere Academy of Jewelry Arts in San Francisco and Mendocino Art Center. I was very fortunate that I was on Etsy and CustomMade in the early years of these companies, in addition to being picked up by several galleries including Manika in San Francisco.

I designed my first spinner ring in 2009, the Paisley, and from then on I was busy making patterns into spinner rings as well as custom designed rings for customers all over the world. I had people from as far away as Bali ask me how I did my patterns. For the next seven years I was incredibly busy making jewelry and selling online to a global audience–it was incredible. And with my success, I was able to be a support system to my father, who sadly had been diagnosed with a neuro-degenerative disease in 2010. I am glad that he got a chance to see some of my jewelry journey and that I had the flexibilty with my own business to travel back and forth to be there for him. In 2017, my partner and I moved to Canada to be closer to my folks. My life and business changed somewhat with the move, but I remain resilient and ever evolving as a maker.

I am incredibly grateful to all parties who have helped me on my journey to metals.


I hold a B.A. in Studio Art from California State University, Fullerton and a Diploma in Packaging Design from Humber College in Toronto, Canada.

Originally from Dundas, Ontario Canada, I have lived and worked in Toronto and Los Angeles, California, which is where I spent most of my adult life, returning to Canada in 2017. Currently I live in a beach community in the Niagara region with my partner and our two cats.

Check the events page for upcoming shows or sign up for my newsletter!

2019 Galleries and Stores
• Mettamade, Hamilton, Canada

2012-2015 Galleries and Stores
• Orange County Creatives, Laguna Beach, California
• La Galeria Gitana, San Fernando, California
• Harriet's General, Culpeper, Virginia
• Mountain Nest Gallery, Black Mountain, North Carolina
• Galeria Boca Roja, Mallorca, Spain

Group Shows in California:
2015 Holiday RAWk Artist Showcase • Orange County, CA
2015 Chocolate and Art Show • Los Angeles, CA
2013 RAW Artist Showcase ENCOMPASS • Orange County, CA
2012 Revere@Manika • Manika Jewelry Gallery, San Francisco, California

 

Press Coverage:
One of my ring designs "Birds on a Wire" in Sterling and 14k, was featured in December 2011 issue of "BirdWatching" magazine. Please note: The Birds on a Wire Spinner ring, has since been circulating on various websites. I noticed in 2022 that my pictures and design were stolen by an overseas manufacturer. I am told they may have other designs of mine.


New Work:
I have been moving toward new work which combines patterns, enamelling and set stones. Many items are one-of-a-kind. As an evolving artist, I am thrilled to use the kiln as part of my skill set in this new direction. Follow me on Instagram for behind the scenes and new pieces.