Kathi and her faithful companion Lilly Jane in the studio
Kathi Turner
As a former longtime rancher, my work represents my connection to the earth and its beauty reflecting the simple, rustic, remote lifestyle of living and loving western ways in wide-open spaces.
My intricate beadwork was inspired and taught to me by the elder women of the Yakima Indian Tribe.
Moving forward with torch in hand, I learned to work with mixed-metal and hand-picked stones to create neckpieces and bracelets of Western, Southwestern and Contemporary design.
As a unique niche, I celebrate my affinity for fellow ranchers by creating custom ranch brand pendants.
My studio is my solitary place – a place where I bring together all aspects of me – the artist, the rancher, the wife/mother/sister/daughter – each piece contains a little of my heart and soul and some of this beautiful world we live in.
Kathi Turner is a mixed media jewelry designer creating earthy, simple, rustic wearable art/accessories that represent the heart of her lifestyle as a former cattle rancher on the on the open ranges of southern Washington/Oregon and Northern Nevada. Exquisitely constructed mixed metals, semi-precious stones and intricate glass bead artistry are the focal points of her exclusively one & only originals.
Born in Texas, raised in Arizona, Kathi was part of an on-the-move military family – living overseas in Japan and Germany and stateside in Wisconsin, California and Washington State.
A 51 year ranching adventure began in 1964 when she married Tom Turner. First stop: Ellensburg, Washington where her interest and love for Native American Indian culture originated. Largely self-taught – over a 14 year period, Kathi learned traditional beading techniques from the elder women of the Yakima Tribe.
In 1979, they sold the Ellensburg, WA ranch relocating to the very remote high desert of Southeastern Oregon in Harney County. First ranch at Princeton, OR then to Drewsey OR in 1981.
EVOLUTION OF HER JEWELRY STYLES
Kathi & Tom retired in 2008 and moved to Scottsdale in 2011. Here in Arizona, her talent took a turn as she began to work with mixed metals and natural stones – creating her signature “Rustic Primitive” jewelry often naming pieces after local towns: Bisbee; Carefree; Flagstaff; Payson; Queen Creek, Tempe; Yuma. She follows her free spirit in designing neckpieces and bracelets with Western, Southwestern and Contemporary flair.
Holding a significant place in her heart, Turner creates custom ranch brand pendants, bracelets and key fobs that represent a family’s unique ranch markings – present, past or historic brands – and welcomes collaborations. Commissions are welcome – contact Kathi to discuss kathi89445@yahoo.com or call 775-304-6756
Original sketch and finished piece
Kathi Turner currently works out of two beautiful studios, one in Winnemucca – Nevada’s cowboy and ranching country- and the other in North Scottsdale – the heart of Arizona’s artistic world. Both are open by appointment – contact Kathi kathi89445@yahoo.com to make arrangements.
Visit High Desert Creations in North Scottsdale during the Hidden In The Hills Studio Tour & Sale held annually on the weekends before and after Thanksgiving. Click on hiddeninthehills.org for current dates and information.
