My path to jewelry making was anything but direct; it is part of a lifelong pursuit of artistic expression that evolved through distinct phases of my life. Although my early career took me into the business world of New York City, my creative foundation was established through formal training at one of the city’s specialized art high schools and continued through college study. Artistic awareness has always been central to my identity, even when set aside for more mundane pursuits like making a living.

Unconventional choices, though, have always shaped my journey. In midlife, I decided it was time for a new chapter. I left New York for Vermont, where I spent two decades raising Merino sheep, dyeing wool, designing knitwear, and marketing my work. I loved what I was doing. That period gave me the confidence and acumen to see that a living could be made in a creative enterprise.

At a certain point, however, I realized that chasing rogue rams and lambing in below-zero temperatures wasn’t something I could do forever. Even those of us devoted to following our creative muse must recognize when it’s time to turn a corner. I had to find something just as fulfilling but better suited to the next stage of life.

For some time, I had been making jewelry from felted wool. I enjoyed the process and the sculptural outcomes. I began taking metalworking classes and was pleased with what I created and, as they say, the rest is history.

Today, I hand-fabricate jewelry primarily in silver and brass, often incorporating semi-precious stones. I am drawn to the interplay between complementary metals and the rich color of natural gemstones. My practice is rooted in traditional silversmithing. All of my work is hand fabricated. No shortcuts here. Recently, I’ve been using a hydraulic press and antique dies from the late 19th and early 20th centuries to create elements for my work. By using these Art Nouveau and Art Deco dies I am able to incorporate various designs from these bygone eras into modern pieces, helping to preserve artwork that would otherwise be lost.

As a largely self-taught jeweler, I value the discipline and discovery inherent in mastering a craft. Each piece is an exploration of balance between tradition and innovation. I view my work as tiny pieces of art designed to be worn.