Iowa Artisans Gallery

"My art career began in the late l980's while in college at the University of Iowa. The last two years I took a number of metalworking classes. One of the attributes of this study was that the homework was marketable. By the last year in school, my jewelry was selling regularly at shops and art fairs around Iowa. Perseverance, determination, hard work, and resourcefulness resulted in my work being displayed at various high quality galleries and art fairs nationally.

The most appealing aspect of this profession is experiencing creativity. Inspiration for my jewelry comes from details of natural and technological objects. Different parts, shapes, and angular movements of an industrial building, for example, can be quite inspiring. The manner in which the individual components flow and contrast with one another, completing interesting geometric patterns, is much the feel of my work I find similar inspiration by looking at the sky. A focal point might be the moon. Captured in and around the celestial body are many shades, unique forms, and interesting cloud formations that intermlate with the surface. Each piece of jewelry expresses a detailed esthetic that looks as if it has purpose and function.

Within each piece of work, the majority of parts are hand-sawed. I cut intricate shapes and pierce lines almost as if the saw blade were a pencil. Cutting is done in the interior by piercing a small hole and inserting the saw blade. Care is taken not to pass outer dimensions. I always work from a design, each component is specifically made, and I do not use found objects.

The basic fastening device is the rivet. Tapping a hammer on the head and end of a rivet (small piece of wire) will extend it slightly beyond the top and bottom surface of the piece. A hole is drilled through two or more sheets in perfect alignment. It is essential that the drill bit corresponds exactly to the rivet's diameter. Aside from the practical function, the rivets work as a decorative element.

Titanium remains my favorite metal. It possesses ideal qualities for jewelry design. It is inert and hypoallergenic. Titanium has the strength of steel yet the weight of aluminum. The metal has a dark gray tone that combines well with other metals such as silver. Titanium renders a broad range of colors by applying heat or immersing in electrically charged water. Titanium, although beautiful, is quite difficult to work with. A thin sheet dulls drill bits and saw blades easily. The metal also resists solder and adhesives.With patience and care, titanium can be pierced, cut or colored, achieving a pleasant appearance.

When not designing and making jewelry, I enjoy other productive activities. Scale plastic model building has always been a passion. I credit my model making experience to be a major influence in my jewelry work The tools, creativity and problem solving skills are much the same. Staying active within the community is important to me because I have lived here all my life. Travel is another activity I like. Thankfully, because my business has me on the road much of the time, I feel fortunate to have been given the opportunity to see the many man-made and natural wonders of the United States, which have certainly influenced my work My goal is to create unique jewelry designs that are well made, pleasing to the eye and fun to make. I try to express each piece in a clean, detailed, dramatic manner. I hope others enjoy them as well.