My background and work are diverse. I earned a BA with a focus in accounting from Gustavus Adolphus College. After working 10 years in accounting I went back to school to get my Masters in architecture from the University of Kansas School of Architecture and Urban Design. It's there I learned that design is my passion. I've made furniture, cabinetry, signs, pendent lights, and most recently jewelry. I've always felt a need to tread lightly on this planet, which as an artist can be quite conflicting. Thus, when I learned that most glass in our area is not recycled (even the glass sent to be recycled) I decided that translucent glass needed to be part of my re'pe'titur. My process begins by finding castaway glass, such as a wine bottle or a goblet estranged from its set. I've even used a glass ashtray from the 70's. From there I study them and think of ways to cold cut them into unique shapes. Sometimes taking a sledgehammer is the best answer. The glass is not melted which would defeat my eco-friendly mission. Once they are cut they are tumbled to smooth the edges. After that they are airbrushed with water based glass paint and/or are embellished with my soldered designs.
In 2023 I started creating with plastic and aluminum. Like glass, I look at ways to deconstruct water bottles, lids from food containers, and shampoo bottles into interesting jewelry. Again, I'm trying to take things we would normally discard into something we want. My designs are inspired from geometric patterns and nature. l also love gradients and mixing medias.
On a personal note, I have a loving husband, a beautiful daughter, one entertaining cat, and plenty of friends and family that listen, suggest, make me laugh, and tirelessly believe in my crazy ideas.
On a personal note, I have a loving husband, a beautiful daughter, one entertaining cat, and plenty of friends and family that listen, suggest, make me laugh, and tirelessly believe in my crazy ideas.
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