Being inspired by ethnic and tribal jewelry traditions, I taught myself new techniques and sought beads, components, and treasures that told a story. My treasured antique Cherokee bead loom, which was gifted to me by my aunt and gifted to her by my grandmother, was the beginning of my journey and love of loom beadwork. I studied Native American patterns and adornments, I honored the seamstresses in my family by free hand stitching into the looms and vintage silks, and created a style that could be used in statement jewelry pieces or sparkling wall adornments. “Beads, Bones, & Stones” is a culmination of all that I have collected and learned.  This body of work represents the journey of rediscovering childhood’s connection with nature & magic and how it has a deeper meaning in the adventures of adulthood. Each piece has a vague title and I hope it represents a relationship or memory with each viewer.

It is important for me to have an emotional attachment to each component that goes into my pieces and set an intention as I work. My hope is that the story of where each component comes from carries into my journey & energy of creating the piece and to the artwork’s final home.