Artist Statement

 

My jewelry, largely influenced by fashion, is intended to be worn, but it may be a challenge to do so.  All my life, the many facets of fashion – makeup, hair, and dress – have provided me with outlets of self-expression and inspiration.  I also draw from local natural and man-made surroundings, biology, indigenous aesthetics, and the concept of dualism.

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Many of my designs are heavily reliant on texture, the idea of precious versus non-precious objects, and values regarding sacred and profane.  By taking a non-precious object like plastic eyelashes and setting or casting them in silver, I convert something cheap and commercial into something with inherent material value and aesthetic beauty.  A simple transformation of material and context forces the viewer to look beyond the superficial and the obvious qualities of a particular object.

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I wish for my pieces to be taken out of the context of traditional gallery exhibition, and allow the viewer to experience them on a more personal level.  I intend to do this by transitioning the viewer into the wearer, involving both perspectives simultaneously, which I believe is potentially the fullest manifestation of jewelry as an art form.

 

Often I create objects I feel would be appealing to Frida Kahlo and her sensibilities. I imagine my work as pieces Frida would choose to incorporate into her eclectic wardrobe. This work does not overtly use literal images of Frida, but is instead inspired by her spirit, and pride in her appearance and heritage.

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