Everything motivates me to create: a winter sunset, a branch, a bug, a tiny flower, the all-powerful sea. Natural forms are the inspiration for my designs, each one of a kind executed in sterling silver, 18 karat gold and precious and semiprecious stones.
I’ve been designing and creating jewelry since 1996. I show my work in many galleries and shops in Maine and beyond. I also have a network of private clients for whom I do custom work. I maintain a home studio where I can design and fabricate constantly and consistently. Form, texture, and color meld together as I bend and solder and patinate.
I was trained in sculpture at Boston University. For four years I carved stone, pushed clay and welded steel. I moved to Maine in 1995, and lacking a large studio, I gravitated toward jewelry where all I needed was a bench and a torch. I continued my studies at Maine College of Art, Metalwerx, Haystack, and privately with several Maine jewelers, who are now my colleagues. I am always trying to push my metalwork and design sense to new levels.
A day in the life
Most of my days begin waking with the light. Whether that's 5am or 7:30am, my body tunes in with the circadian rhythms of the seasons. I jump into my walking clothes and leash up the dog and head out the front door to hit my stride in Damariscotta, Maine. I gain inspiration and peace from all areas of nature--the birds, trees, ocean--sing to me while I exercise my body. I document these daily walks on my Instagram feed, sharing bits and pieces of both my personal and professional world.
After about an hour's time, I circle back to my home and start my workday. I brew some mudwatr (my coffee substitute) and turn on my studio. It's my sanctuary, my happy place.
Some days projects are waiting for me to finish and other days a fresh design is waiting to be created. I am so fortunate to do what I love. Hammers, pliers, and files move the metal and my trusted torches are the tools of choice. I tend to work on one piece at a time, especially when it is an intricate and large scale piece. But recently I have been trying to be a little more efficient with my time and will work on a few similar things at once. Sometimes it takes days to finish a project, and other times I can complete something in a day. I’ve been creating for 29 years and my knowledge and expertise play a huge part in my day.
I work hours straight, with a couple stops for lunch and tea. I know I’ve pushed it too late when my dog Coal comes into the studio with his sad eyes telling me it’s time to play. Usually after I’ve eaten dinner, I can’t go back in to work, which is probably a good thing. :)
My evenings are usually spent on the couch sewing or writing my to do list for the following day. I read before bed to relax with a cup of tea and crawl in for the night by 9:30 knowing I will wake early and do it all over again.
I am so fortunate to live this life and do what I love and share it with you!