why I do what I do:

As the saying goes, "Necessity Is the Mother of Invention". In 1996, my job as a Staff Gemologist at the Gemological Institute of ?America was ending. As I was faced with what to do next, I remembered that I have always created “things” with my hands: magnets, jewelry, gold leafed palm fronds. Drawn to natural flora and fauna, I one day decided to cast a chicken wishbone in sterling silver. I thought, what a wonderful object to have, to hold and to inspire one to always make wishes. Well, it was beautiful. The notion then struck me to take a closer look at our everyday sayings and symbols, and create sculptures that would bring them to life while representing our wishes, hopes and dreams. Inspired by the Magnolia trees in bloom, my next piece, "Turn Over A New Leaf", followed. Though the saying refers to turning the pages of a book, my piece utilizes an actual Magnolia “leaf” molded and cast in sterling, bronze, white bronze and zinc. It’s this twist in word play and meaning that has put the fun in the work for me.

Nowadays, it’s the stories I hear, of people’s responses upon receiving a piece as a gift, that keeps me going. Some laugh, some cry and then the tales begin...

born:
Des Moines, Iowa, 1958

raised:
Brussels, Belgium and Bonn, Germany

resides:
Los Angeles, CA 1984 to present

education:
North Carolina School of the Arts, BFA Modern Dance 1981

Gemological Institute of America, Graduate Jeweler Gemologist 1993

history:
Tamara Hensick Designs: Owner/Designer founded in 1996

Gemological Institute of America: Staff Gemologist from 1993 to 1996

Commercial Actress: 1984 to present

Tatistcheff Rogers Gallery: Assistant Director from 1984 to 1992

Dance: 1981 to 1990 Companies include Big Flood, Ferne Ackerman-Los Angeles, Pacific Dance Ensemble, Danielle Shapiro-Los Angeles, Minnesota Jazz Dance Company, Zoe Sealy-Minneapolis, MN, Sesame Street Live, Minneapolis, MN