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Our Autumn exhibition celebrates contemporary artists that aren't afraid to push limits by moving away from classic designs and towards recognizable imagery.
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Q: Where did you study Jewelry/Metalsmithing and when?
A: I earned my BFA in Metalsmithing from Southern Illinois University Edwardsville and my MFA in Metalsmithing from Edinboro University of Pennsylvania
Q: What inspires your work?
A: My work is inspired by nature and collecting. I love to highlight natural elements that might get overlooked. I strive to create beautiful pieces combining lots of different materials that I have collected over my lifetime.
Q: Do you have a favorite piece you've made?
A: My current favorite piece is the pair of large crystal dangle earrings I sent for the exhibition. I just love the shape and movement of them.
Q: What made you want to start making jewelry?
A: I started making jewelry very early in life. It started with several Klutz books and my cousin Anna who taught me macrame. I was always trying to push my designs.
Q: What is your favorite process? Why that one over others?
A: I love to fabricate my settings. Although they take a great deal of time, they fit my materials perfectly. I like the repetitiveness and calmness that comes over me when working.
Q: Who is your favorite artist/who do you wear?
A: Tanel Veenre is one of my favorite artists and a dear friend. I wear a ring he made me every day. I also just love to wear any jewelry made by friends. My beetle brooches by Marta Mattsson get a ton of wear too. Really I love every piece in my collection. @my_brooch_collection on Instagram.
Q: Is there an artist on your personal wishlist that you hope to own one day?
A: I would love to have a piece from Lola Brooks and Melanie Bilenker at some point in my life. I have looked up to their craftsmanship for a very long time. There are so many artists I have on my list though!
Q: What is something you would want someone to know about your work that they might not know?
A: I think a lot of people see my work and assume it is heavy. It surprises people when they feel the lightness of my pieces in person.
Q: When you're not making jewelry, what are you doing?
A: I love to explore the city, read and travel. Second to making jewelry, I love cooking and trying new recipes.
Q: Is there anything else you would like to add?
A: Thanks for including me! The show looks great!
Q: This show centers around more unique jewelry making materials. What drew you to those materials?
A: I collect materials everywhere I go. Anyone who has ever been on a beach with me knows I’m going to stare at the ground. I buy stones through sources I’ve had for years. I would say that I spend a great deal of time outside of making working just looking for interesting materials. Some of my materials come from travels by friends and family.
Q: The materials featured in this show are oftentimes overlooked in traditional jewelry making. What are your goals for using them in your work?
A: I hope that people see the beauty in the materials and the time that went in to selecting them. I seek to highlight specimens that might sit on a shelf and give them new life. Also I like drawing relationships between all of my materials.
Q: How would you describe your use of imagery in your work?
A: I don’t necessarily use direct imagery in my current work. However, I do use similar shapes and configurations in some pieces.
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