| Most of my pieces involve natural local stone, which means my job often starts with a little beach combing. While you are conjuring up those visions of peacefully walking along the shoreline splashing in the soft waves on a warm day...also envision me with my ten layers and tall rubber boots, pushing the ice aside in January. (That is when the stones are sluggish and with a gentle approach, it is easy to sneak up on them.) Actually the beach is only one source for finding workable specimens. I have found them hiding in most peculiar places. |
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Because I do my own lapidary work (grinding, cutting, carving and polishing) I can start from literally 'scratch' with each project. I can develop the stone according to both my vision and as it dictates to me. Finding the compromise and using the stone to its best advantage is the ultimate goal.
Each stone holds the enchantment of a wrapped present. Each one is a gift to explore. And there are always interesting secrets within to reveal.
After the initial lapidary development of the stone I typically choose a freshwater pearl or semiprecious gem stone bead to compliment the color, texture, shape and size of the stone. Next is the slow, painstaking process of carving the stone to accommodate the bead exactly. |
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It all comes together with a wire "wrapping" technique I developed through trial and error. It is a tricky process that requires many subtle, precise maneuvers.
Because I am able to do both the lapidary and the jewelry work, I can take complete creative control of a project from beginning to end, creating more uniqueness of design. |
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After all the tedious steps required to develop a piece, there is sweet reward, a finished piece smiles back at me. From the rough stone to a piece of jewelry, the process never ceases to amaze me. I feel honored to create pieces that enhance and respect the natural beauty I start with.
Jewelry making has become a new artistic horizon for me. Without lesson or training, I have drawn from within to create my unique style and design. Some say it is that naiveté (and not knowing the 'rules') that gives my work an unusual flare. Or perhaps, just maybe, it was after all...a result of eating just too much white paste in kindergarten.
*as seen in Traverse Magazine
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