I’ve read a lot of artist statements in my time and I always wondered how the artists came up with such lovely sentiments and descriptions of their work and creative journeys. I think my story is pretty uncomplicated – I love jewelry. It is really that simple. I’ve always loved jewelry. I remember one day in kindergarten being asked to remove my favorite pair of clip-on earrings – strawberries I think. And if jewelry had glitter on it I was even happier. I started making beaded jewelry in college and always preferred making earrings. I could never find earrings big enough or long enough to suit my taste - but by making them I could alter them to fit my sense of fashion. I would scour flea markets, garage sales and vintage stores to find pieces that I could use. I never had a problem with changing things up and I now shutter to think I may have destroyed some pretty darn nice pieces to use some of the findings in my own “work”. I traded pieces I made for pet care, car care, clothes and just about anything I needed.

My design goal at this time in my life is to create feel good pieces – pieces that become the wearer’s favorites or their “go to” pieces. I’m more concerned with the weight and wear ability of pieces now than I was in my younger years. I like the idea of pieces becoming cherished like old friends.