Q&A with Jeweler Janet Long by Bobbi Kittner

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1. You have a wonderful necklace that was selected to be a part of the METALWORK 2026 exhibit. Could you tell us more about the story behind the necklace? You’ve included a rather interesting focal point. What is that material?

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It was actually a collaborative effort between my husband and me. He became especially fascinated with the material, called oosik. It’s a type of fossilized bone that can be polished to a beautiful, high luster, almost like ivory. It’s quite rare and has an interesting history—it was traditionally used by the Inuit for sled runners and other tools. Its origin and meaning are pretty fascinating.  It is the penile bone of the walrus!  The only mammal to have one.

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2. You recently shared that you had injured your hand last year and were exploring new ways of creating your intricate work. Could you share with us what that has been like for you?

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I had a hand injury, but with physical therapy and time, it has recovered to a fairly normal state. It was devastating to break the fingers of my dominant hand! I’m grateful that I’m still able to create jewelry using my usual techniques.

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3. You are the longest tenured member of Waverly Street Gallery, how has your work evolved over the more than 20 years you’ve been exhibiting at Waverly?

 

As for the Waverly Gallery, I’ve been a member there longer than anyone else—it really feels like a second home. Over the past 20 years, I believe I’ve grown both in skill and creativity, especially gaining more artistic freedom after my children grew up. Throughout it all, my husband has been wonderfully supportive, always encouraging me to follow my creative instincts.​​