Often, I solder one type of metal to another, mixing the metals to gain contrast in color or to highlight an intricate design. I may join components with solder or with rivets. Several types of patinas may come into play during the final processes, either from the heat of the torch or from chemical patination. I enjoy making some pieces look as if they came from an archaeological dig site. I protect the patinas with hand-rubbed wax or a clear lacquer coating. Other designs are clean and modern, using recycled circuit boards, resistors and colored aluminum. I strive for built-in movement and a bit of whimsy in the forms of my jewelry with natural and man-made forms often merging in my work.
My beadwork is sometimes made from traditional patterns such as a Russian peyote leaf or Oglala butterfly stitch, but many times I develop my own patterns to interpret a shape or an image I love. I choose the finest beads, thread, findings and stones I can find to make each piece heirloom quality. The patterns take hours--sometimes weeks--to develop. The sculptural ones are developed by trial and error. The pictorial pieces usually start with a sketch of an idea. Then I outline the shape on graph paper or a stitch graph on my computer, color it in approximate shades and fine tune the shape and placement. Then comes the process of choosing from thousands of bead colors and shapes to work with. Sometimes a cabochon, a larger bead or some incorporated element such as fiber, a button or a shell will suggest colors or styles to use. Other times the designs themselves suggest complimentary colors, shapes or cuts in the beads to add texture and luster to a beadwork piece. I must choose a weave style from the many techniques available or improvise my own to create the effect I want to achieve. Ripping out and redoing is also an intergral part of the process. A piece of jewelry may be done in a repetitive pattern, or it may be woven freeform in intricate undulating thread paths. Beaded items can take hours, days or even weeks to finish after the beadwork is begun. One bead at a time, the jewelry takes on shape and personality. Some items may appear similar, but as a result of the processes used each piece is unique, just like its wearer. If you have any questions about my work please feel free to contact me.