The study of jewelry design became Gisele’s pursuit in the mid 80s, under the apprenticeship of Michael Golland in the UK, who, as a pioneer, introduced stainless steel to the jewelry market in the 60s. She then studied at OCAC in Toronto, while studying independently with goldsmith Kaoruko Sawabe of Gharan Design, and Hassein Azhari from Old Pino Jewelry.
She began successfully exhibiting at shows in 1991, including: The One of a Kind Show in Toronto; the Toronto Outdoor Art Show; and the Rosen Show in Philadelphia.
Some of the gallery gift shops across North America that carry her work are: the Vancouver Art Gallery; Handworks Gallery in Saint John, NB; Artisan Gallery in Massachusetts; The Santa Barbara Museum of Art, The Ritz-Carlton Spa in Toronto, and Bluboho in Oakville, ON.
Her travels have inspired her craft, and she is involved with several charities that have taken her around the globe. She contributes to the Keep A Child Alive charity, which supports children suffering with HIV in developing countries, as well as being a supporter of “Until There’s a Cure” which raises awareness and funds for those affected by HIV/AIDS. Locally, she supports “Sistering”, an organization that supports homeless, under housed and low-income women in the Toronto community.
To read more about her philosophy, philanthropic endeavours and dedication, please visit her at: www.tbds.org.
Gisele currently lives in Toronto and has three children.