Lee Boojamra has come a long way from the docks of Brooklyn New York where she grew up. She taught school in the inner city of New York for 35 years. Her belief was that “the only way out of the inner city is through education.”
After retiring she moved to SaddleBrooke 12 years ago where she educated herself in the art of jewelry making. She said she first tried pottery making and stained glass but was a failure at it. She then tried silversmithing. It was then she says “the metal spoke to me.”
She is mostly self taught but speaks highly about the Pima County Parks and Recreation Department classes and work shops in jewelry making.
Lee has only been working with metal seven years. She works with silver, brass and copper and is always experimenting.
“I like organic shapes that make bold statements,” Lee said.
Recently she has been “getting into tribal art “such as African, Middle Eastern or Native American
art styles.” Her favorite colors that she works with are orange, turquoise or blues such as those found in lapis. She is looking for good quality azurite or turquoise with silver veins to work with.
She was been selected as one of the artists to have their work displayed at the St. Phillip’s Outdoor Art Show in Tucson. A jury selects these artists based on their work being of high quality in workmanship and creativity. The Art Show was held Oct. 25.
She also has her work displayed at local shows during the year, including the SaddleBrooke Annual Fall Art and Craft Show which will be held on Nov. 7 in SaddleBrooke at the Mountain View Clubh
ouse at 38759 South MountainView Boulevard.
Lee talks excitedly about the annual Catalina Artists Studio Tour.
“It is a wonderful tour.” You are given a map of the area and get to visit the studios of participating artists. You can meet with them and talk with them about their artwork or purchase some art directly from its creator,” she said. The self guided tour will be held Nov. 14-15 in and around the Village of Catalina from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m.
You can also view some of Lee’s custom silver jewelry designs by appointment by contacting her at (520)825-5340. Lee says that she is working on creating a website for her company West of the Sun and hopes to have it completed soon.
