My Artist Statement...

I grew up on a small farm in central Indiana. Until 1996, I spent most of my professional life working in retail and merchandising while raising my daughter Calee. Then, by chance, I drove past the Indianapolis Art Center and saw a sign that said “Register Now for Classes.” Over the next few years, I embarked on an artistic exploration that took me from ceramics and steel sculpture and finally to my true passion-jewelry design.  I was fortunate enough to find encouraging teachers to mentor me in wire wrapping, glass fusing, metalsmithing, and stone inlay, all of these forming the foundation of my training in jewelry fabrication..

In 2000, I began to give back to the community that encouraged my skills by becoming a jewelry instructor at the Indianapolis Art Center. I built my own home in 2003, where I teach private lessons and workshops. I began to sell my artwork through retail venues and at art fairs. I have conducted workshops and demonstrations in public schools, tailoring my art instruction for kindergarten through high school classes, and mentoring high school interns who serve apprenticeships in my studio. Through teaching and participation in art fairs, I have been able to add the element of human interaction, so important to inspiring a creative life. I love seeing my students’ eyes light up when they master a new skill or speaking to someone who has found inspiration and joy in wearing my jewelry designs.

I am the author of Picture Yourself Making Jewelry and Beading, and Kids! Picture Yourself Making Jewelry, published in 2008. I have also had articles published in magazines, including Fishes/Geist Magazine.