I have had a noticeable interest in artistry for most of my life. I have always been drawn to visually compelling objects and creating items out of my personal thoughts or whims. I am an artist. I earned my BFA from Southern Illinois University Edwardsville and, now, I am a Lampworking specialist. Working in my stu … Read more I have had a noticeable interest in artistry for most of my life. I have always been drawn to visually compelling objects and creating items out of my personal thoughts or whims. I am an artist. I earned my BFA from Southern Illinois University Edwardsville and, now, I am a Lampworking specialist. Working in my studio, I am able to focus my energy and thoughts into something others can enjoy through touch and sight. I use my vision to create pieces that I hope inspire others…thru their beauty, by invoking special memories or simple enjoyment of the colors.

Working in my studio is both exhilarating and relaxing- peaceful, yet intense. Art begins in the mind; I am never quite sure what I will create at any given time. I select a color or a technique and I let my hands and the torch take over. Sometimes, I start out with a piece in mind, but something much different appears. I allow the glass to lead me. I am drawn to bold colors, I love working in layers…starting with a glass rod and creating a piece that has others asking, “How?”

With a gas fueled torch, I melt rods of glass to a molten state and then mold and manipulate the hot liquid into shapes and beads. I use precise hand movements and tools to create my beads slowly adding layer upon layer until I have a finished product. Each bead is used in an original and handcrafted piece of jewelry all created by myself. Most of my pieces are made with sterling silver and metal. I most enjoy the layering aspect of Lampworking; for me, it relates to the different layers of life. We never really know how things will turn out or where the next choice will take us, just like each decision in my design. I am striving to create the one piece that will have you asking questions, but always wanting more. I hope you enjoy my creations.