I view my pieces as art that happens to be in the form of jewelry. My approach to creating jewelry is somewhat similar to my approach to painting - I want to create a mood and tell a story with each piece.

Selima Dawson was born into a family of artists in New York City. Her father was known for his folk art depictions of Harlem life, while her mother was a quilter and seamstress. Her parents, and the creative energy from the eras they lived, were some of the inspirations behind Blakbird Jewelry, which Dawson launched in 2010 and which features jewelry, clothing, and home decor.

Selima is a member of the founding cohort of ORIGINS, a PG&H sister program and platform that celebrates and supports African American makers in Pittsburgh; learn more at ORIGINSpgh.org.