" It is the journey, not the destination." The deeper I go into the metalsmithing process, the more there is to learn. As I travel down the path, I pick up on subtleties that life throws my way. My work can be organic or contemporary however, there have been a string of constants that have guided me. Although I may sway off the path, my work always swings back to my design foundation. My core inspirational design words are: layered, translucent, velvet, vintage, worn, and allure.
It was not until after I graduated from college that my interest in metal became a focal point. I began taking metalsmithing classes as they would fit into my life. I have taken workshops all over the US, from well known metalsmiths and authors, which include, Andy Cooperman, Noel Leicht, Dan Haga, Adam Foster, Nanz Aalund, Trish McAleer, Michael Parrett and Sarah Perkins to name a few.
My current focus is on getting my new studio in working order. So much to do and so little time! As far as my actual work goes...it is in constant review and evolving with each day.
Professional Memberships:
Society of North America Goldsmiths - SNAG
Society of Midwest Metalsmiths - SMM - board member
The Enamelists Society
Art St. Louis
The Best of Missouri Hands - Juried member
Education:
2010 - Metalsmithing Class at Maryville University, St. Louis, MO
1996 - Bachelor of Science, Health Management, St. Louis University, St. Louis, MO
Professional Experience:
2000-present - Owner of Salmon Rock Studio
Exhibitions and Shows:
Ste. Genevieve Holiday Fair Ste. Genevieve St. Louis, MO December 2018
Art Feast Kemp Auto Museum Chesterfield, MO January 2017
Midwest Metalsmiths Ethical Society St. Louis, MO October 2016
Midwest Metalsmiths Ethical Society St. Louis, MO October 2015
Metal Mayhem Klinton Gallery Ladue, MO June 2012
Jewelry to the 3rd Degree 3rd Degree Glass Factory St. Louis, MO November 2011
Jewelry to the 3rd Degree 3rd Degree Glass Factory St. Louis, MO December 2010
Grape Arts Windows off Washington St. Louis, MO March 2010
Art Feast Kemp Auto Museum Chesterfield, MO January 2009
Nuit Blanche 10,000 Hours Metal Arts Guild of Canada Canada 2009
The Big Red Box The Foundry St. Charles, MO November 2008
Trash to Art Koken Art Factory St. Louis, MO September 2008
Works from the Studio Craft Alliance Central West End July - Aug. 2008
3M: Art at the Loft Art at the Loft St. Louis, MO February 2008
Central West End Art Fair Central West End St. Louis, MO November 2007
Celebrating Creativity Cox Gallery Fulton, MO Aug. - Sept. 2007
St. Louis Artists's Showcase St. Louis Artist's Guild St. Louis, MO 2006
SMM Holiday Exhibition Craft Alliance St. Louis, MO November 2006
SMM Holiday Exhibition Chesterfield Arts Chesterfield, MO November 2005
Central West End Art Fair Central West End St. Louis, MO November 2005
Ste. Genevieve Holiday Fair Ste. Genevieve St. Louis, MO December 2004
Sacred Heart Fall Festival Sacred Heart Hall St. Louis, MO September 2004
Publications:
Jewelry Design Challenge: 30- Minute Bracelets, ed. Martha Le Van, Lark Books, 2012 - 1 project
Jewelry Design Challenge: 30-Minute Necklaces, ed. Martha Le Van, Lark Books, 2010 - 1 project
500 Plastic Jewelry Designs: A Groundbreaking Survey of Modern Material, juried by Susan Kassan Sloan, Lark Books, 2009
Best of America: Jewelry Artists and Artisans, Kennedy Publishing, 2007
Where to Buy
Work is not available for sale through the SNAG website. Please contact the artist directly to inquire about making a purchase.