I adore metal: it's of the earth, can be solid, liquid, heavy,
light...metal holds endless possibilites. It's got soul, too. I also
love the history that found objects hold -each vintage button carries a
story. Taking materials that are not traditionally considered precious,
and setting them like jewels gives me great delight. I find rare
vintage buttons and unusual natural materials like tagua nut to be more
interesting to work with than sparkly gemstones.
Inspiration comes from the most simple things. Vintage kitchen tools, botanical illustrations from the 19th century, seed pods that fall in my path on daily walks with my dog, the swirls of debris left by the wind and water on the beach...I'm a person tuned into the details. Bits and pieces of the natural world gather in my hands and become precious objects, displayed on tiny altars in my home.
Most simply, jewelry is sculpture that you get to wear. The jewelry I make has a direct relationship to my larger sculpture and installation work. I love rings the best, because both the wearer and the observer can see and appreciate the piece. Rings are also powerful ancient symbols. Some of the rings are designed to be quite large and feel like a heavy bauble on the hand. Personally, I find this a very luxurious feeling!
I have a BFA from Western Michigan University, in Kalamazoo, with an emphasis in sculpture and multi-media installation. During those college years I made jewelry as a form of meditation. I find the repetative nature of the process of creating it soothing and deeply satisfying. I've actually been making objects my whole life and working as a metalsmith for 20+ years. I quite possibly couldn't stop if I wanted to! It's a complusion that has finally grown into a business.
While still a child of the Great Lakes, these days I make my home in Portland, Oregon. I know I am lucky to live in one of the coolest cities in the nation, surrounded by wonderful friends, with my small dog curled up at my feet.
I write a blog about my creative process and what inspires me called found object.
