As a child I was petite for a long time and wanted to be a horseracing jockey, until I grew.
When have you started creating jewelry? How did this passion come about?
I think I was always creating jewelry. My mother was an art teacher and creative activities were a part of my life from the beginning. Necklaces from pasta, sewing objects, whatever it was we were making I would find a way to wear it.
What was your first project or significant piece for you and from what point of view?
After spending time traveling in Italy I returned home to create a reliquary inspired container piece. It required a great deal of problem solving and thinking through my process in a way I had not done as fully before.
How do you charge your batteries? What other passions and creative interests do you have?
I love going for walks, being in nature and seeing the change of seasons. Being alone with my dog, who is an energetic partner allows me to maintain my physical self and also disconnect from the daily material demands. Of course, I also very much enjoy a dinner out, relaxed with my husband and friends, the more laughs the better.
What does the connection between manufacturing tradition and contemporary design mean to you?
For me, tradition informs my contemporary design. If a problem needs to be solved in my design to create a piece that will be technically sound, I look to the manufacturing tradition within our field. As manufacturing styles are changing and developing, I worry that certain techniques may fall into forgotten memories, but I know the field would not be where it is without those techniques and material understanding.
Is there a self-portrait piece that speaks most about you?
Over the years there are several pieces I have made, that at the time they were made, they spoke to me very deeply. A few I still have in my possession, a few have moved on and I’m satisfied in both cases. I think another is on the horizon, which will be a more layered and in depth piece than others that have come before… so I’ll wait for that one.
Which material have you not yet used is a temptation and a challenge for you?
I would very much like to set time aside to research solar panels and how they have the potential to be used within jewelry.
How was the pandemic period for you as a jewelry designer?
It was in many ways a re-awaking. My studio and life as so intertwined that the impact of my life in that period was also an impact on my studio. I began to teach online, which offered me the opportunity to generate an income from my studio with support from schools I had previously worked with in the U.S. This additional income greatly propelled forward my studio and practice. Within my making I played with the material I had available. Lockdown produced a series of Olive branch brooches, collage necklaces, and more wire drawings. All were pieces that continued a theme I have worked with for many years; the line. This ultimately cumulated in an exhibition, “The Line Continues”
How do you see the future of contemporary jewelry?
I think people will continue to push the boundaries of what we consider wearable art across all fields. Within the sector of jewelry, materials from other fields, aero science, construction, renewable energy, and others will continue to be pulled into the folds and used to achieve fascinating results. I’m excited to see what people imagine and create; and hope the conversation between the traditional techniques and the contemporary evolution continues to be a strong and healthy one.
