Margaret Benedict is a native of Southern California, raised in the San Fernando Valley.  She has lived in Brooklyn, New York and Madison, Wisconsin before returning to California.  She resides in San Diego with her husband and two sons.  Professionally, she is a physical therapist.  She says, “My artwork is my therapy.”

Margaret appreciated having an artistic mother who enjoyed sharing her enthusiasm for creativity.  Margaret has dabbled in many mediums of art–ceramics, Japanese brush painting, fused glass, beading.  She rediscovered enameling, having done it as a child, through the San Diego Community College District Continuing Education Program with instruction from Pat Aiken (2008–2012) and Rick Schneider (2012–present).

Margaret loves enameling–the beautiful colors, shaping the metal, the many techniques to choose from, and the ever present “element of surprise.”

Many of Margaret’s jewelry designs are done in the Sgraffito technique of enameling and take on an organic look.  The Inspiration for her designs comes from what she sees around her, from nature, and from her Jewish heritage.  She also enjoys torch firing, silk screening, and working with liquid enamels.  She refers to her creations as “happy pieces of art.”

Margaret continues to take enameling classes and other art classes/workshops of interest, always wondering how the various forms can be integrated in her creations.  She plans to continue experimenting with enamels and would like to design items of creation beyond jewelry.

Jewelry artist of the month each year at San Diego Enamel Guild
Commissioned work
Elected to Board of San Diego Enamel Guild, 2015.