It is in the metals studio that I have been able to combine my love of making objects with my love of design. The small scale of jewelry allows me to play with the elements of beauty, creating small tangible objects. I like to imagine my work as miniature sculpture or even a building or environment, with the same attention to design as larger scale works require.  In my work I combine the main areas of focus in my education; environmental design, art history and precision craft making.

I am constantly intrigued and challenged while working with metals. For me it involves surrendering to the process and materials while simultaneously being in control and command. I knew I was hooked after that first successful time soldering, the feeling of being connected with the flame and of the metal being alive and flowing was exhilarating. I am interested in the duality inherent in this work, the idea of using fire and hammers to create works of beauty, of using these potentially destructive forces to create new images and forms. I find myself continually balancing between destruction and creation.

My work today is a collage of my different paths, studies and interests. Each piece I make, class I teach, or project I work on contains elements of all aspects of my life. I use my art as a vehicle for expression, exploration, excavation and communication. It is through my engagement with the creative process that I have been nurtured and encouraged and have been allowed to grow as an artist. I hope, through my individual work and collaborations, to be able to pass along this encouragement to others as they engage in their own creative process.

Education:

John F. Kennedy University, Holistic Studies, Arts and Consciousness,

    MA in Transformative Arts, 2004-present, Berkeley, CA.

    Textile Techniques for Metals, Arlene Fish; 2005, CCAC,    Oakland, CA.

    Precious Metal Clay Certification, 2002, San Jose, CA., Carl Stanley.

    Revere Academy of Jewelry Arts, 2002, San Francisco, CA.

Fold Forming, Charles Lewton-Brain;

Marketing Designer Jewelry, Alan Revere;

Trade Practices, Alan Revere;

Gem Identification, Starla Turner;

Bead and Pave Setting, Catherine Highlands;

    Spruill Center for the Arts, 1995-2000, Atlanta, GA.

Mokume Gane, Steve Midgett;

Ancient Rings, Jean Stark;