In the early 80's while studying art in New Mexico, a place with a long tradition of metalsmithing, I became inspired by the local Native American handmade jewelry. I enrolled in my first jewelry class at New Mexico State University and immediately became enamored with metal. The processes of manipulating mixed metals, the blending of abstractions of the natural realm and random shapes and forms gave me increased independence and creativity. The soldering, hammering, shaping, and bending of this material became a fascinating new way for me to make art-- functional wearable art! I continued experimenting with metals and semi-precious stones through workshops at the Appalachian Center for Craft and earned a BFA in metals at Middle Tennessee State University. Today my designs continue to evolve as I experiment with fabrication techniques and design processes I have not previously explored.

I invite you to view my gallery pages for a glimpse of the varying work I produce in my studio. My very latest creations focus on a Korean inlay technique by which small pieces of mild steel are inlaid with 24k gold and fine silver. I view these little pieces as "jewels" and set them in the same manner as I would a precious stone. Much of my other work consists of mixed metal pieces in sterling, copper and gold; some embellished with hand cut stones. The necklaces and brooches are one-of-a-kind pieces.