I learned to love metals as a girl. My mother had put aside jewelry, making, as her family and homemaking became her focus. The jewelry she made and wore, and that she pointed out to me, became what I was looking for. It was substantial, handmade, smoothly worked silver and gold. Her teacher was Greta Pack, a Carmel California artist, an authority and author of books on Mexican and Taxco jewelry of the 20’s through the 50’s.
When I Was a student, I studied painting and Batik. I attended Cranbrook Art Academy, Birmingham, Michigan; Haystack Mt. School of Crafts, Deere Island, Maine; and received a B.A. in Art Education from Michigan State University.
Upon moving to Taos in 1971, I was struck again by the silver and began making jewelry continuing these past 30 years. I was fortunate to work for Rowena Martinez at the original Trading Post of Taos, created by her husband, Ralph Meyers, in 1918. The jewelry that passed truly remarkable. Old pawn, new work and a lot of Taxco jewelry. She was a great inspiration to me and a direct and treasured link to old Taos.
I show in 10 galleries around the country. I have 4 grown children, who have all learned jewelry making, though they pursue other careers.
All of my jewelry is handmade, by myself, in my studio. It is done by. fabrication, in which I construct and solder many pieces of sterling and/or gold to form the design. I use many ancient beads and coins, up to 4000 years old or more. I choose the stones that I use, precious or semi-precious, for their color and uniqueness. My jewelry, is made to form fit the body and enhance the presence of the human form.