An early interest in jewelry found me repairing my Avon ballerina necklace at the age of seven – I went on to study jewelry and metalsmithing at the University of New Mexico. After receiving my degree in Art Education, I taught the children’s classes at the Springfield Art Museum for three years. To supplement my income, I sold my jewelry at the flea market in Santa Fe and then began exhibiting at juried art fairs. I have exhibited at the Plaza Art Festival, the Des Moines Arts Festival, the Columbus Arts Festival and Port Clinton Art Festival.
My current body of work includes glass and metal: Enamel! I start by creating a rich texture on fine silver, apply enamel and fire at 1450 degrees. Most of my enamel has five or six layers, which is fired after each application. I also use cloisonné wire and apply the enamel with a very fine paintbrush, a technique called wet packing. Once enamel pieces are made, I bezel set them in box construction forms with other semi-precious stones. I make each piece with the intention to integrate form, texture, color and movement.
When not making jewelry, I travel, knit furiously, read books, work on home improvement projects and take walks with my dogs Lucy and Babs.
An early interest in jewelry found me repairing my Avon ballerina necklace at the age of seven – I went on to study jewelry and metalsmithing at the University of New Mexico. After receiving my degree in Art Education, I taught the children’s classes at the Springfield Art Museum for three years. To supplement my income, I sold my jewelry at the flea market in Santa Fe and then began exhibiting at juried art fairs. I have exhibited at the Plaza Art Festival, the Des Moines Arts Festival, the Columbus Arts Festival and Port Clinton Art Festival.