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Artist Statement:
Each piece of my work is individually hand fabricated and,
as such, each piece is one of a kind. The work may be
produced in a series that follows a design theme, yet every
individual piece is unique to itself.
I use
several techniques to texture my work including:
Mokume
Gane
- layering of different metals fused
together. They way they are worked brings out the unique
qualities of the separate layers.
Granulation
- high carat gold fused onto sterling silver.
Reticulation
- melting the surface of silver to cause a
“wave effect” in the metal.
Acid
Etching
- a pattern is achieved on brass, then roller printed onto
silver.
Patina
- liver of sulfur blackens the silver (but
not the gold) and then the higher levels of metal are buffed
clean to add contrast.
I love
and take inspiration from a wide variety of gemstones.
Color is added with amethysts, sunstones, moonstones,
citrines, peridot and a rainbow of colored stones. I
particularly enjoy the effect of druzies.
The
metals that I use in the compositions are sterling silver,
fine silver, 22k, 18k, 14k, shikudo, shubuishi, and copper.
The
creative process involves hand sketching of design ideas
along with manipulation of individual elements of the piece,
and the selection of appropriate gemstones, prior to
assembly.
After a
16 year career as a flight attendant for Eastern Airlines, I
began a second career 15 years ago learning the joy of
making fine jewelry. My work is an expression of the
limitless opportunities of merging design, stunning
gemstones created in nature, and metals worked and shaped by
my hand. The work captures the energy and beauty of the
materials, and is at once, both dynamic and harmonious.
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