Jewelry as an artistic expression is how I describe my work. I have strived to learn and master whatever technique serves my design purposes. This has led to studies in granulation, platinum fabrication, glass beadmaking, glassblowing, and fine cast glass/crystal. My foundation consists in Dental Laboratory Technology; these skills readily transferred to jewelry methods. A graduate and past instructor for five years of the Gemological Institute of America, my skills evolved and grew. I have owned and operated several shops in California, and now I reside in N. Ridgeville, Ohio. Still stretching outside conventional jewelry in an artistic manner, but overall concerning myself with form, beauty and function. "Lost Wax Glass Casting" is an ancient technique. The early Egyptians used this process for vases, beads, and amulets. "Rene Lalique" utilized it to create masterpieces in fine jewelry during the "Art Nouveau" period in early 20th century France. In lies my inspiration to create objects of beauty with cast glass, precious metals and gemstones. |