ARTIST STATEMENT

Although I consider myself to be largely self- taught in silverwork, I was introduced to metal­working in high school and after a few university classes; I was forced to put it all on hold while I made a living in other areas until 1998. At that time, I enrolled in one class, got my hands and brain used to metalwork again and I found that I had not lost the interest or the skill.

I quickly learned the laws that govern metals never change and I enjoy working with silver now more than ever. It still takes fire and force to move any metal into another form and for me, there is something satisfyingly powerful about changing a piece of metal with heat and a hammer.

My jewelry designs are straightforward and linear, clean and simple and I look at objects from a very structural and mechanical viewpoint. I try not to overwork an idea or a design, as I want to let the natural beauty of the metal develop into the design and not become forced. While some commercial findings and chains are used in my pieces, all of my work from beginning to end is done in my studio, with my own hands, by no one but me and the biggest thrill for me is someone wanting something I’ve made.

BIOGRAPHY

Originally from the Kansas City area, I attended Northwest Missouri State in Maryville, Missouri and the University of Missouri at Kansas City from 1969 through 1973 where I studied Fine Art. I lived in Overland Park, Kansas until 1997 when I moved to Lincoln, Nebraska and I now live on a beautiful rural farmstead near Davey, with my husband, Ed and two insolent barn cats.