I worked a part-time job at a bead shop/art gallery and it forever changed my life. Over the last eight years I moved to Boston, took an adult education class at the Brookline Arts Center for metalsmithing, earned my Masters in Marketing from Emerson College, and worked a number of office jobs. I always wanted a creative career and after my Masters, knew I wanted my own business. Having an extensi
ve background in jewelry design, it seemed only natural to make this my vocation. MY PROCESS
To be honest, I create for myself. When I get dressed in the morning I pay attention to my outfit and my thoughts. If I find myself saying "I wish I had _______ to go with this type of top" then I start to create ideas to fulfill the need. Sometimes I sketch sometimes I don't. I have an extensive inspiration library I've cultivated over the years. There are times when a photo helps complete my idea for a piece of jewelry. But the idea really comes to be at the bench. I go in with a general concept and then just start playing around with metal. Sometimes the piece is perfect the first time around. Other times I have to take it apart and try again or push it aside for awhile. When I first got started, I would get frustrated by the prototype process. Over time, I've learned to just roll with it. I wear each piece before making it part of my collection. Sometimes the piece looks perfect but when I wear it that's when I notice an issue. Once the piece passes the test of me wearing and using it, it'll get put into production. I love the gratification of taking a completed piece and being able to wear it. Every time it's a sense of pride; that was my idea and my hands made it. It's a pretty remarkable journey. But seeing someone else wearing my art is the ultimate sense of joy. MY STUDIO
I currently work out what would be the dining room of my West Roxbury apartment. This apartment gets the most amazing natural sunlight. It's a real treat to work from home at this location. My office desk is made from an old door. I can't take the credit for the idea. I got it from my old boss/now friend. The door came from a different apartment I previously lived at. I painted it black and had custom glass to fit on top. There are six grooves in the door that I've filled with my Great Grandmother's old buttons and other sewing materials; she was a seamstress. It's beautiful to see a random collection of items under the glass. The door sits on top of two black filing cabinets. Working at this desk makes me feel inspired. My jewelers bench is actually an old teachers desk. I found it on Craigslist and my Dad popped off the top and added a lift so it will be the correct height for a jewelers bench. I bought the desk from a husband and wife that lived by the ocean. The husband had a handshake like bear. The desk still has an aroma of musk, barn, and salt water. There's some days when it's really potent and I just have to sniff it. I love how all these pieces have naturally come into my life over time and now make up my office/studio space.
