I think of myself as an accidental jewelry artist and reluctant metalsmith. I always enjoyed fiber crafts and loved working with wood, but never even thought about making jewelry and didn't see how anyone would want to work with metal. My epiphany came in 2007 when I saw a book on metal clay. Intrigued by the idea of being able to actually shape metal with my hands, I took a class and was hooked.
About that time I came across The Splendor of Ethnic Jewelry, France Borel and John Bigelow Taylor's book documenting the Colette and Jean-Pierre Ghysels collection, and it was a revelation about what jewelry is and can be. You can't look at a photograph of ear ornaments made from beetle wing cases, seeds, and toucan feathers, and not realize there may be possibilities that you haven't considered. As I began to incorporate more materials in my work I finally had to acknowledge that it was time to broaden my range of skills and began taking jewelry construction classes. Feeling comfortable mixing materials and techniques in whatever way seems best gives me a lot more freedom in design.
Although I am largely self taught, I have benefited greatly from the patience and knowledge of local instructors and many talented people I have never met but who have generously shared their knowledge and advice over the internet.
2012 Saul Bell Design Award Finalist, Metal Clay Category
2013 Fire Mountain Gem and Beads Metal Contest, Grand Prize Winner
2015 Saul Bell Design Award Second Place Winner, Alternative Metals and Materials Category
About that time I came across The Splendor of Ethnic Jewelry, France Borel and John Bigelow Taylor's book documenting the Colette and Jean-Pierre Ghysels collection, and it was a revelation about what jewelry is and can be. You can't look at a photograph of ear ornaments made from beetle wing cases, seeds, and toucan feathers, and not realize there may be possibilities that you haven't considered. As I began to incorporate more materials in my work I finally had to acknowledge that it was time to broaden my range of skills and began taking jewelry construction classes. Feeling comfortable mixing materials and techniques in whatever way seems best gives me a lot more freedom in design.
Although I am largely self taught, I have benefited greatly from the patience and knowledge of local instructors and many talented people I have never met but who have generously shared their knowledge and advice over the internet.
2012 Saul Bell Design Award Finalist, Metal Clay Category
2013 Fire Mountain Gem and Beads Metal Contest, Grand Prize Winner
2015 Saul Bell Design Award Second Place Winner, Alternative Metals and Materials Category