Artist’s Statement

I am a jewelry designer, metal smith, and artistic maker of meaning.

From my earliest memories I have been attracted to color and form. Initially, I expressed thisthrough visual arts inspired by my upbringing in the neighborhoods of Compton and Hawthornin LA, and Lake Elsinore. This led to a transplant to Seattle where I attended the Art Instituteand studied visual arts, painting and color theory.

After an initial success in the gallery world, I became disillusioned with the business of art. 

Fundamentally, art is about connection and I felt that was missing in the transactional culture ofthe gallery. This motivated me to rethink my theory of artistry and how my talents and vision fitin. I discovered that my attraction to color and form could be expressed through the craft ofjewelry making. As I honed these skills, I saw that I had the opportunity to use art to givemeaning to these beautiful objects. Over time, I developed relationships with the gem dealersaround the world and learned to source gems directly from the mine to support thosecommunities. After educating myself about the mining practices of precious metals, I decidedto source Eco-friendly metals that I use today.

It became my goal to become skilled enough to make jewelry that was heirloom quality. I takethis responsibility and privilege very seriously. When I am making a wedding ring, orrepurposing a family gem, I know I’m making something that will take on more meaning for theindividual and family over time. I have come to think about my art in terms of decades andgenerations. This is immensely satisfying and meets my need to forge connection through art.