Presented by Wesleyan Potters

I can honestly say that I stumbled onto metalsmithing completely by accident. In 2005, I received a class brochure in the mail from Wesleyan Potters, a nearby artists' co-op and school. Having always worked with my hands in one way or another - whether creating props for the theater, making patterns and showroom samples for a fashion designer, or hand making fresh pasta for a gourmet Italian food store, I was eager to see what they had to offer. I had been making and selling beaded jewelry for a few years at the time, and was immediately drawn to a metalsmithing class offered. I was so taken with metal work that it just felt like coming home. I loved everything about it - the materials, the tools, and the endless possibilities. Today, I am a member of that artists' co-op and school, and have been taking classes and workshops ever since! As a metalsmith, I create jewelry using sterling silver and copper, often adding pearls or beads as decorative accents. Intrigued with both physical and visual movement, I concentrate on the interplay between shape and texture, trying to strike a balance between beauty and playfulness. I texture my metals through the use of a rolling mill, by hand forging, etching, enameling, and by adding surface patinas. I often construct my pieces so that they have freely moving elements to them, causing them to move in harmony with the wearer. Always continuing to learn new skills and techniques, I create my jewelry with great attention to detail and craftsmanship. Thank you for your interest - it's why I do what I do!