Artist’s Statement
Silver is the predominant choice of precious metal used due to the wide range of textures and finishes that can be brought out of the metal. Rings, brooches, pendants, cuffs and chainwork are the primary jewelry pieces made. The use of gold as a metal is reserved only for key highlights and accents in the main body of work. Hand fabrication in combination with lost wax casting methods are used to create these items. In addition, precious and semi-precious gemstones are carefully placed to add flashes of color that accentuate a piece, often serving as a focal point. Inspiration is mainly taken from nature, specifically arboreal motifs and wildlife in conjunction with subtle themes inspired by fantasy novels, nostalgic video games, macabre history and mythological beasts and figures.
The methods of craftwork utilize hand fabrication techniques combined with lost wax casting production to create unique, one of a kind or small batch pieces. Symmetrical, hand fabricated designs of precisely shaped and pierced metal blend with more organic, hand carved and free-flowing elements that add rustic charm and personality to each piece. Contrasting areas of light and dark, as well as surfaces finished to a high polish or purposefully left roughly textured, add depth and richness. Single or multiple gemstones are used to crown the piece and serve as a central focal point for the wearer as well as the viewer. Sapphire, ruby, garnet, peridot, topaz, and spinel are mainly used, as they are versatile and are available in a wide range of hues.
Individual pieces can be a sole work that stand on their own, but often they are made as a set or as a companion piece to complement another. The overall impression these pieces give off is stylish and timeless, but with humble charm that makes them suitable for any occasion.
Artist Bio
Having a strong background in art from a young age, I’ve always had it in mind to create tangible pieces of artwork that can be viewed and shared by many. I was predominantly an artist that utilized sculpture and traditional drawing skills to create. I had never considered until some years ago that jewelry would be a suitable avenue for me to express myself. It has proved to be very fulfilling and promising in regards to finding a professional career. My artistic background stemmed from the love of drawing and reimagining the cartoons, mythological creatures, and historical figures and time periods that fascinated me, in addition to the myriad video games I spent countless hours playing. They have now become highly nostalgic and iconic, and those characters and themes have not lost their influence with me to this day. I continue to take inspiration from them in the creative process of my work.
My early art education began in middle school and high school electives where I sharpened my drawing skills and expanded into three dimensional sculpture and ceramic work. Following high school, I knew I wanted to pursue an art degree, but could not afford higher education. I enlisted
in the Navy where I spent six years of my young adulthood with the intent of using education benefits to fund my way through college. During that time, however, I’ve had the opportunity to see much of the world and experience culture and peoples from various walks of life. This gave me a very open mind and appreciation when I eventually returned to a classroom environment. I earned my Fine Arts degree in Studio Arts my first 2 years, focusing on three dimensional sculpture and design. I used what I learned in school to branch out and do freelance work, creating custom costumes, props and models. I found mixed success in this, but I did realize that I had a great sense of working in very small details when it came to modeling. A close friend of mine then suggested I look into going to school to become a bench jeweler. This brought me to my current place at ACC.
During my first semester as a jewelry tech student, I was very unsure if this would be a good match for my skills, but I quickly found parallels and adjacent skills in the coursework that I had learned in Art school, as well as disciplines that were self-taught during my freelance work time. Since then, I have fully invested myself in learning the ins and outs of the jewelry industry. My strong points naturally are in wax modelling and drawing for jewelry design. I am thoroughly enjoying this newfound medium of expressing myself and I have aspirations to grow and learn more from superiors and colleagues.
My early art education began in middle school and high school electives, where I sharpened my drawing skills and expanded into three dimensional sculpture and ceramic work. Following high school, I knew I wanted to pursue an art degree, but could not afford higher education. I enlisted in the Navy, where I spent six years of my young adulthood with the intent of using education benefits to fund my way through college. During that time, however, I’ve had the opportunity to see much of the world, and experience culture and peoples from various walks of life. This gave me a very open mind and appreciation when I eventually returned to a classroom environment. I earned my Fine Arts degree in Studio Arts my first 2 years, focusing on three dimensional sculpture and design. I used what I learned in school to branch out and do freelance work, creating custom costumes, props and models. I found mixed success in this, but I did realize that I had a great sense of working in very small details when it came to modeling. A close friend of mine then suggested I look into going to school to become a bench jeweler. This brought me to my current place at ACC.
