Artist Statement

Two concepts, an appreciation for beauty and individuality, have had the greatest influence on what I do and who I am. They have shaped the way I look at the world and helped me to grow as a person and as an artist. My parents' passion for culture and travel taught me to "look" and appreciate beauty. Just as Confucius said - "Everything has its beauty, but not everyone sees it". To me, beauty stems from the selection, arrangement and weaving of colors in each piece of jewelry I design.

Fine handwork and exceptional details are combined with the finest materials to produce each one of a kind design. My jewelry incorporates such elements as precious metals, gemstones, pearls, original Lampwork beads and Kumihimo, the Japanese art of weaving silk threads into decorative braids. Each piece of jewelry is an elegant personal adornment - A Passage to Beauty.

Combining an appreciation for beauty with my individuality, I have been able to create works that I am happy to share with others. Each design is a work of art, distinctive and beautiful as the person who wears it.

Biography

Independent Studio Jewelry Designer

Creation of custom designs for clients
Participation in art fairs and gallery shows

University of Missouri-Columbia, BA - Art Therapy; MED

Art history, design, metalworking, fibers and ceramics

Glasshopper Studio

Design, metalworking, stone setting, PMC, glass lampworking and fusing

3rd Degree Glass Factory

Michael Barley; Anastasia (Anja Basan), Libby Leuchtman lampworking
Glass lapidary-cold working; Glassblowing workshops

Memberships

ACC (American Craft Council)
BOMH ( Best of Missouri Hands)
Chesterfield Arts
GSLAA (Greater St Louis Art Association) - Juried Member
ISGB (International Society of Glass Beadmakers)
St Louis Artist Guild