About the Artist

I am a gynecologist turned jeweler. I’ve spent over two decades of my life pursuing what society teaches is the American Dream, only to discover that it was my personal nightmare. Don’t misunderstand, I’ve had some amazing experiences in my career. I’ve ushered new life into this world, I’ve snatched lives from the jaws of death, and I’ve met many incredible women along my path, each heroic in her own way.  But the enormous responsibility associated with this work was not feeding my soul, in fact it was draining my life force drop by drop. I sat quietly and asked myself, "Why was I put on this earth?" The answer was loud and clear: I am an artist and I must create.  My jewelry designs are inspired by nature and by personal relationships.  They reflect the importance in our lives of family, friends, animals, the earth, and Love.

All of my designs are cast by hand at a family owned company about 70 miles away from my home.  I did not wish to participate in the common corporate practice of using cheap foreign labor which often exploits it's impoverished workers.  I choose to have my dollars support my community's local economy.

Silver mining operations are often not Earth-friendly.  I do several things to ensure that my business does not harm our planet.  I recycle every single scrap of silver that is created as a byproduct of my work.  The more we recycle the silver that is above ground, the less that needs to be mined from underground.  I also "mine" for silver utensils and bowls at flea markets and tag sales--again in an effort to keep the silver that is above ground circulating.  And lastly, I support Ethical Metalsmiths in their efforts to " demand responsibly sourced silver as an investment in the future. [They] stand for social responsibility, a healthy environment and materials that are consistent with these values."

The name of my company, Winged Goddess, came about in quite an unusual way.  As the stress level from my ob/gyn work increased, so did the painful knots between my shoulder blades.  I tried chiropractic, massage, acupuncture, and yoga all with some relief.  However, the practice that helped the most, was meditation.  I sat quietly and asked my body what the painful knots represented, and the answer that came to me was, "It's your wings trying to sprout!"  So you see, I am the Winged Goddess!

Be Well,

Pam Swift, M.D.