About
Handmade jewelry for both men and women inspired by the surrounding neighborhoods of San Francisco by jewelry designer John S. Brana
"My aesthetics and philosophy have been shaped by my family, world travel, and the cultural diversity of Northern California.
As a child, I had the rare opportunity to travel extensively with my parents. We always returned home enriched from our travels -- with an appreciation and respect for the uniqueness of different cultures. I was also fortunate to grow up in a home where art and craft were encouraged. My father, an accomplished artist and teacher, was my first and most important mentor. I observed him closely as he perfected his techniques in metal and resin casting, fabrication, and woodworking. After taking a few art classes, I found that I also loved working with my hands and expanded my interests into ceramics and stained glass. While attending college at the University of Michigan, I helped my father develop a successful fused stained glass sculpture business.
I moved to the San Francisco Bay Area in 1990, where I worked in the legal and banking professions...most recently as vice president of finance for The Charles Schwab Corporation. After my father's death in 2003, I re-evaluated my priorities and resolved to rekindle my childhood passion for artisan crafts. The philosophy that has guided my life and work ever since is: Do what you love and explore what you are passionate about."
As a child, I had the rare opportunity to travel extensively with my parents. We always returned home enriched from our travels -- with an appreciation and respect for the uniqueness of different cultures. I was also fortunate to grow up in a home where art and craft were encouraged. My father, an accomplished artist and teacher, was my first and most important mentor. I observed him closely as he perfected his techniques in metal and resin casting, fabrication, and woodworking. After taking a few art classes, I found that I also loved working with my hands and expanded my interests into ceramics and stained glass. While attending college at the University of Michigan, I helped my father develop a successful fused stained glass sculpture business.
I moved to the San Francisco Bay Area in 1990, where I worked in the legal and banking professions...most recently as vice president of finance for The Charles Schwab Corporation. After my father's death in 2003, I re-evaluated my priorities and resolved to rekindle my childhood passion for artisan crafts. The philosophy that has guided my life and work ever since is: Do what you love and explore what you are passionate about."