artist statement
"Art is not truth, art is a lie that makes us realize truth.
At least the truth that is given to us to understand."
-Picasso
I began to understand the aspect of art when I studied poetry in high school.
We would all analyze the words of a writer and interpret what we thought the
writer was trying to say. We discovered that we all had different ways of
looking at it. Did we ever find the true meaning? Was there a single "correct"
meaning? Was there a "right" or "wrong" way to interpret the piece of
expression? Ultimately, I came to believe that what mattered was that each
poem, or piece of art, can inspire us to think and relate to it in our own way.
I have carried this philosophy with me in my professional work.
I create wearable art. Jewelry made of gold, platinum, and silver. I use
diamonds, pearls, and semi-precious stones. Each piece is a blending
together of the science behind the making of jewelry and the art of having
vision and making it come to life. My newest line "Forever Young" combines two
unrelated materials; diamonds and plastic. I created this line in hopes of
changing the way some might look at jewelry and for me it was about changing the boundaries and choosing something playful.
I use many techniques in my work. I consider some pieces as my little
sculptures. I am concerned with line and geometric form to produce bold
and expressive statements of innovative elegance. Along with the elements
of design, my main concern is craftsmanship and durability. I am excited that
I can integrate metal into functional art.
My jewelry career actually started when my boyfriend, who is now my husband
introduced me to the music of the Grateful Dead. We traveled around to see
them play. At the venues I would sell "dancing bear earrings" which I fabricated
out of sheet silver. Each was pierced out individually. I sold every pair I made
and this small business helped me to save money for college. I have since
graduated from the Texas Institute of Jewelry Technology where I was taught
all the fundamentals of jewelry fabrication, design, and stone setting. I
continue to take courses to learn new techniques. I left my position as a Bench
Jeweler to focus on my own designs and perform custom engagement rings
and wedding bands for private clients.