I am a largely self-taught artist, designer and metal smith who has been making things since early childhood. My passion for creating jewelry began when as a thirteen year old I spent time among the silversmiths of the Navajo Nation. My first pieces were made from beads, turquoise, silver, pearls and semi-precious stones. Years later I learned to make fused glass and in 2003 I began to sell my jewelry. Soon after, I taught myself metal smithing and found my true love. I work intuitively and rarely sketch out in advance what I will make. I adore the creative process and delight in experimentation.
I find inspiration everywhere: relationships, nature, science, architecture, pop culture, spiritualism, ancient and contemporary art+design. I like to explore universal motifs, natural phenomena, minimalism, the line, negative space, geometry, and color, in my jewelry designs. I am an avid world traveler, so ideas and sometimes materials follow me home and are incorporated into my pieces.
As an independent artisan, I design and fabricate each of my pieces one at a time using silver, brass, copper, bronze, and gold. I add color and texture with tools, patinas, hand-pigmented resins, enamels, fused glass, pearls, stones, and other organic materials. Each piece is a unique work of art that I hope will be enjoyed and worn daily.
I am a former legal aid lawyer, adjunct law professor, and environmental and human rights advocate. I create my work and live with my family in Durham, North Carolina.