Artist Statement

This statement is for my current body of work yet also touches on some recurring larger themes.

My work explores the interdependence between humans and the biological and botanical worlds around us. The forms and imagery refer to fungus, fossils, wilted flowers, and insects; the sorts of things found when lifting up a rock. By transforming these “base” forms into jewelry, which is conventionally seen as the beauty-enhancing purview of a youthful neck, my work alludes to the forces of nature, ever constant, that will drain the youth from the wearer. Forms and imagery combine to become physical manifestations of acceptance of mortality. I find beauty in the forms associated with decay, signifying the unending cycle of life and rebirth of which we are all a part.

This series has title of the Undesirables because it can refer to the unwanted pests that persist despite our efforts to eradicate them. In addition, while the prefix “un-” indicates the opposite of desire, it simultaneously calls to mind longing and its broad associations with the sensual and luxurious, such as romantic gifts of precious jewelry deemed worthy of a beautiful woman. While the works in this series include objects, wall pieces, and wearables, the primary format is jewelry because by using a woman’s body’s as site, the meaning is fully realized when worn. The wearer gains a uniquely intimate relationship with the piece as physical sensation and attention to detail are incorporated into the viewing experience. Also, jewelry takes the art out of the gallery and into the world, so it is important that the works are actually wearable even if sculptural, because the function of wearing empowers the ideas embodied within.

The wearer of my jewelry becomes part of the piece, embodies the message, and can spark fleeting moments of human interaction.

I worked as an archaeological illustrator in India, which left a lasting impact on my preference for decorated surfaces and my grasp of the long view of time. People build, settle in their time between life and death; small lives converge to create something larger. The parts create the whole. I enjoy the challenge of using durable metal and glass and fitting all the parts together in terms of function, technique, and concept. I’m interested in exploring ideas of fragility versus durability, and the cycle of death and rebirth.