About
People have been adorning their bodies with jewelry for thousands of years. It has symbolic and ritualistic significance. It can identify you as a member of a group or accentuate your individuality. I consider my jewelry to be a personal artistic expression, which celebrates the human sprit.
My studio jewelry is made from sterling silver, fine silver and anodized aluminum. I use color, shape, line, texture, and motion. It is the combination and layering of these elements that is the life of my work.
The metal working process is very satisfying to me. I am continuously learning about the capabilities and the possibilities that metal has to offer. As I respond to the metal the piece will evolve and come onto focus. I feel a piece is only successful when I achieve a balance between craftsmanship, composition, and artistic expression.
I first studied metalsmithing at the Los Angeles County High School for the Arts, a magnate school were I was able to take several collage level art courses. There I gained a strong understanding of design and technique.
I continued my studies at Humboldt State University in Northern California with David LaPlantz. There I learned not to limit the definition of what jewelry is supposed to be. Much more than a monetary status symbol, it can be as important and expressive as any other art form. He also introduced me to the process of anodizing aluminum, and when luminous colors were combined with metal, I was hooked for good.
I currently live in Portland Oregon producing my own line of jewelry and small sculpture. I sell my work through several galleries and crafts shows. I’m a board member of the Creative Metal Arts Guild (CMAG) and love working with my fellow artists.
What is anodized aluminum?
Anodizing is a chemical process in which an electrical current is run through a sheet of aluminum while it is submerged in an electrolyte solution. This stimulates a chemical reaction that creates an oxide layer on the surface of the aluminum. This oxide layer serves two functions. First it makes the aluminum stronger and more abrasion resistant. Secondly it is composed of tiny pores which can absorb dye. I anodize and dye my own aluminum which gives me complete control over the colors and effects.
Aluminum has a very low melting point so it can’t be soldered like silver or copper. I must use alternative methods to mechanically connect my pieces. But the luminous color and comfortable weightless quality of aluminum more then make up for it. Some people may consider aluminum to be a lowly metal that is unworthy of jewelry. Because of its great abundance its monetary value is relatively low. But did you know that before aluminum smelting technology was developed, pure aluminum was extremely rare and treasured? The anodizing and dyeing process requires a lot of time, skill and creative energy, so I consider it a treasure as well.
