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Nine years ago, Donald Anderson took his life, leaving behind both a family and a treasure of beautiful creations.

Anderson, an oil-rig engineer by trade, was also a jeweler, and would transform his experiences at sea into miniature works - pins and charms - that spoke of infinite vistas.

But Anderson suffered from crippling depression, and eventially it claimed him. His wife, Rebecca, was left with three children and a gaping hole where her husband used to be.

Rather than dwell on the pain of those last years, Rebecca chose to honor her husband's memory, and complete a project they had dreamed of doing together: publishing a book of his work.

This charm, "Shelter," is only 1.5 inches in diameter, and made of copper, silver and titanium.

," the book - published in a limited release - features an array of Anderson's creations, from letter openers to jewelry to miniature sculptures. Small charms open up to reveal a view of a moon over the ocean; a metal fish doubles as a submarine that would fit nicely in a Jules Verne novel.

Rebecca Anderson enlisted the help of editor John Roth to create the book. Roth says he was instantly captivated by Donald's vision.

For Rebecca Anderson, the completion of the book marks a significant milestone in her family's recovery from her husband's death, and in the honoring of his life.

Anderson hopes the book will eventually lead to an exhibition of her husband's work, allowing even more people to enjoy his magical creations.

Arts and Culture

State of the Arts Blog

Marianne Combs

Author

A woman honors the memory of her husband by publishing a book of his artwork.

Intimate Immensities: the art of Donald Anderson

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