Local artist Linda Stuelke has become well-known for her nature-inspired photography and hand forged jewelry, but has fond memories of her early work in paper mache. When Linda began working with paper mache it wasn’t long before her whimsical snowmen and sparkly santas caught the attention of editors at Better Homes & Gardens who asked her to create a step by step tutorial of her most popular pieces, Celestial Santa, and Snowman Family for one of their publications. As a self-taught artist, she found this invitation especially rewarding. In 1995 she opened her art studio Willow Rock Designs and worked with paper mache for several more years while she continued creative exploration in other mediums. She has since shown and sold paintings, mixed-media works, collages, sculpture and assemblages. Her most recent line of jewelry “Graffiti” is a combination of all of these mediums and not only highlights her metalsmithing skills, but is a good example of her belief that when it comes to life, art, and nature, there is always more than meets the eye. She likes to use found materials in most of her work and it might surprise you to know the earrings you are wearing were once part of a vintage metal serving tray or antique teapot! Nature is Linda’s greatest inspiration and when she isn’t hard at work in her studio, she can often be seen hiking one of Wisconsin’s many trails or kayaking along the Lakeshore. Her jewelry can be found at Wild-Iris Gifts & Botanicals in Manitowoc and in her Etsy shop. Art prints and home décor featuring her nature photography can be found on-line at Society 6. She’s also available to teach classes to groups on many techniques including her sentimental favorite, paper mache.

Linda Stuelke is a self-taught artist who currently lives and works in her Manitowoc County studio. She’s created in every medium from watercolor and paper mache to metalwork, photography and concrete sculpture. Her work can be found in private collections not only in the Midwest, but throughout the United States and several other countries. Several of her techniques have been featured by Better Homes & Gardens and included in their special interest publications. her work has also been shown on technique and artist oriented websites. When asked about how her jewelry line fits into her art life she explains, “I’m an artist who has a need to create and explore, so right now I’m exploring jewelry. I’m enjoying this medium because as with most of my work as a self-taught artist, I’m not limited by a “procedurally correct” process, but able to develop my own style and create in a way that is satisfying, unique and that my customers enjoy.” Linda’s work, no matter the medium, has always been influenced by nature and her daily walks in the woods or along the Lake Michigan shoreline accompanied by her dog or close friends.

https://www.facebook.com/LindaStuelke?ref=bookmarks https://www.etsy.com/shop/WillowRockDesigns?ref=hdr_shop_menu