Becoming an artist was more of a calling than a choice. Evidenced in early childhood, I often drew late night under the sheets with a flashlight, made homemade cards profusely, defaced blank areas in books, deconstructed and rebuilt pens, phones, cassette tapes etc..  To get caught doodling during class was not unusual my entire student life. The hum of the teacher's voice, the low buzz of fluorescent lights became a cue to draw and daydream. 

In 1985 I began college as an Economics major at St. Marys College of Maryland and morphed into an Art Student. I made jewelry for fun from electrical supply, plumbing parts and leather which my family and friends not only purchased, but wore. Painting and sculpting was fun but I felt lost within it. I took a jewelry class and quickly felt liberated by design parameters. There were rules and a purpose. I enrolled in the School for American Craftsman and graduated from Rochester Institute of Technology in 1992 with my BFA.

Post graduation I had the opportunity to work for a few jewelers. Each job was such a valuable education. When you leave school you want to just take off on your own, but working for someone offers an experience school never will. I tell students this advice every time if I am asked, while trying not to sound like a crusty adult.  

In 1999 I was juried into the Torpedo Factory Art Center in Alexandria Virginia and now share a studio and retail space with painter Kathy Beynette. I participate in fine craft shows, make custom work, limited production, one-of-a-kind jewelry and sometimes things like martini picks, olive forks, berry spoons, magic wands...

I wouldn't be able to arrive at this point on life's continuum, without the support of my family, friends and husband, Peter.

I'd like to thank tree bark, shells, rocks, earth, leaves, shadows, water, weather patterns, rusty beat up metal, seeds...

Tooncy thanks for keeping me company always for 17 years.  Miss you.