Please start by telling us a little about yourself and your studio.

I siphon ideas from a broad spectrum of elements both accessible and obscure, constantly experimenting with a fresh take on metals, beads, fabric and whatever else I get my hands on. I try to push the boundaries of imagination whenever possible to create something that is always, first and foremost, a personal statement of who I am…a constantly evolving, wild mix of designer and writer. My studio is the mirror image of my creative ethic…the work area a labyrinth of supplies lurking in every nook, niche and cranny, the display area a glittering grotto of finished product. Inspiration for new designs come at me from all angles.

If there’s one thing that defines you, what is it?

A serious sense of deadline for each design project.

What role does your family play in your art?

As long as it was an art form, be it design, writing, acting…my family was all for it. I have always had full encouragement and rousing support from the best cheering squad in the universe. Coming from a crew with art backgrounds and highly individual design sensibilities, I feel that I am the sum total of all their dreams for me. Now it’s up to me to make those dreams come true.

How did you come to selling online?

People who like my jewelry were always asking me if I had a website. This happened quite frequently and I knew it was time to bite the bullet and test the web waters. After researching several venues, I happened upon the perfect one. See next question!

How did you come to find a home on ArtFire?

The diversity of ArtFire was the initial appeal. The name truly embodies a philosophy I wholeheartedly champion…the artistic fire. ArtFire offers the artist their own special stage upon which to star. This, combined with a sense of community and support, inspired me to join the creative collective.

What is the best piece of advice you can give other artists?

Don’t take any advice that you don’t believe in.

Why do you think that buying and selling handmade products benefits society?

Increasingly (and depressingly), society is overrun by a glut of products that are clones of each other. Buying and selling handmade products return a sense of self to the individual, allowing them to express themselves rather than to be a walking advertisement for some faceless factory churning out millions of the same old/same old…in every color. Supporting the artist and artisan who refuse to march to same proverbial drummer helps stem the descent into the abyss of mass production.
 

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