I am most inspired by my materials but my love for ancient history and nature always find their way into my designs. While I do not believe in the folklore attached to gemstones, I do have a deep love for them. To me, it shows the creativity of God. No man could ever create something as beautiful as the stones we are able to pull from the earth. Likewise, I love to use our oceans, forests, and deserts as inspiration for my work. Moreover, I have always been fascinated with ancient times. I am most inspired by Egyptian, Roman, and Greek history. Through the use of specific stones, color combinations, and even sterling silver replicas of ancient Roman coins I am able to combine all of my interests in order to create a style that is uniquely my own.
My favorite aspect of being a jewelry artist is the fact that there is always something new to learn. Like many creative people, I bore easily so I cherish the ability to find new gemstones, techniques, and fellow artists to learn from. I am a firm believer that it is essential for every artist to grow in their work over time. Over the years I have discovered that my favorite tools are my hands. For my signature wire-wrapped pendants, I start and begin with round-nose pliers but create the structure and patterns with my fingertips.
I love both the creation process and the feeling of fulfillment when a customer purchases and cherishes one of my pieces. Passing on the excitement and enthusiasm I have for jewelry to my customers is something I hold dear. I truly believe that creativity is at its best when it is a shared experience. Making jewelry is a passion that I know I will carry with me for the rest of my life.
Walls of Heaven Jewelry® is a special line of jewelry I have created to celebrate my Christian faith. The stones I use in this collection are all described in Revelation 21:15-21 as being part of the foundational walls of heaven. These stones include jasper, sapphire, chalcedony, emerald, sardonyx, carnelian, chrysolite (peridot), beryl, topaz, chrysoprase, jacinth (red zircon), amethyst, and pearls. I love this collection because it is a way to celebrate your faith without having to wear the traditional cross.
I presently live in southeastern Wisconsin, but take commissions from all over the world. To learn more about commissioning a piece of jewelry, please contact me.
In 2009 I began to study metalsmithing and the lapidary arts. It has long been a dream of mine to work with precious metals as well as to cut and polish my own stones. I hope to unveil my new line featuring the fruits of my studies in 2011. The art of beading will always have a place in my heart and I will continue to make beaded jewelry in the future.
ORGANIZATIONS AND ASSOCIATIONS
