Gemstones have always fascinated me. I had a rock collection as a child, just the start of what is now a vast treasure trove of semi-precious gemstone beads, not to mention all manner of sterling silver and pewter fixings, tools, etc. I am attracted to their richly varied visual and tactile qualities. I want to see, touch and have them. Gemstones of endless colors, textures, shapes, cuts, and finishes come from all over the world. It's like candy and I cannot seem to get enough.

I have been disassembling and redesigning commercially produced necklaces and bracelets for years and gradually became more serious about it after studying jewelry making while working on my master's degree. Over the past decade my interest and technical facility advanced coinciding with greater access to beading materials and resources.

Painting continues to be my priority. Yet jewelry making has become much more than a relaxing diversion while away from my easel. I am a maker who constantly needs a creative fix. At times, when paintings in progress are too wet and must wait, I head for the space in my studio dedicated to jewelry design. While the product of one is fine art, the other handmade craft, painting and jewelry making share common design aspects. Contrast, harmony, rhythm, emphasis, proportion, color, value, shape, form, texture, space, etc. all have a part in both. The same attraction to nature that manifests on my canvas makes its way into each of my gemstone designs. And like my paintings, all jewelry items I make are one-of-a kind. I am not surprised when frequently told that my jewelry reflects my painting aesthetic.