about

For over 25 years I have been hand fabricating jewelry from silver, gold, copper and brass. My introduction to metals came from an early job as a dental technician where I was trained to make teeth out of gold and learned metal working fundamentals. Later, while living in Alaska in the mid-90’s, I attended a silversmithing workshop at the local community college. My earlier metals training kicked in and I began serious exploration into jewelry making. Originally from Central Oregon, I returned to my roots in 2000 and continued my metals education at Central Oregon Community College where I refined basic skills and explored alternative techniques. I continue to learn through workshops with some of our region’s best metalsmiths.

In 2011 I devoted myself full-time to creating contemporary jewelry working out of my home studio in Bend, Oregon. Until March of 2020 I was selling most of my work at juried art shows throughout the west. The pandemic changed many things, keeping me close to home but offering different opportunities such as custom work and teaching. I was happily back on the road in 2022 and had a great 2023.

Now in 2024 I have moved my studio to Valdez, Alaska to be with my husband who has worked summers here most of our marriage. I’ll be back in Oregon for shows late summer and again in winter. A new adventure for sure!

process

I love metal as a medium because it has almost limitless possibilities. Design ideas come from so many things – often repetitive shapes and textures that I see in both the natural and man-made world. I also draw inspiration from 20 years of working in the field of architecture – years spent both before and after my jewelry making journey began.

Called fabrication, I make every piece by hand from metal sheet, wire and tubing – sawing, shaping and soldering elements together. To include my love of texture I use several techniques –  roll printing, etching, fusing, hammering and reticulation. I give dimension to many of my pieces by soldering forms that are hollow and lightweight, with stones and pearls used typically as accents rather than the focus of each piece. My goal is to create memorable pieces that speak to the wearer.