Describe your work.
My work is a part of me, a translation of what I see in my mind’s eye. The pieces I create are detailed, delicate and precise. I like to push my work and the materials to stretch it beyond what has been done before. I enjoy the challenges and adventures my creative processes provide. Working mostly with metal clays, (fine silver, sterling, bronze and copper), I combine traditional metal working techniques to complete my pieces.
What is your background and training?
My training is varied. I’ve been a creator of things my entire life – professionally for more then 35 years. My first experience working with metals goes back to my college days. The rest of what I know is self-taught. After college, I worked as an illustrator (2D and 3D) for about 25 years. For the past 16 years, my creative focus has been primarily on my metal clay jewelry – following with teaching workshops and lecturing about metal clay all over the world.
What are you working on now?
I’m currently developing a line of carved pieces – both large and small – with silver and copper materials.
Tell us about your process and how you came to work this way and has your practice changed much over time?
Hmmmm….I would say that my work with the metal clay material is more refined, less timid and more self assured. My creative path, my process, is to push myself with new challenges every step of the way.
Do you experiment a lot or do you work within a specific set of parameters?
Yes, I am always experimenting with metal clay. I’m either working with it alone or in combination with other materials. If you think about it – metal clay is still in its infancy – introduced back in 1995 – so there’s a lot to explore and learn! I like to push the material, using its special qualities, traits and abilities to make it look like it is something else.
What is your teaching style?
usually teach by showing a technique and the step-by-step process. But, then I step back and let someone’s creativity come through. I see myself as the person with the knowledge to help guide you down your own path of discovery – not mine.
What most inspires you?
Ha – everything that catches my eye – which is a lot! However, I am especially inspired by things in nature.
What are your most important influences?
Here’s some people who’s work I admire: Renie Lalique Lucien Gautrait Boucheron Amy Lyons Ramune Rastonis Emily Gill Ernst Haeckel Mary Lee Hu Sowon Joo Judith Kinghorn Yves Tanuy Dr Seuss Andy Cooperman Chris Darway.
What is your dream project?
To have total creative freedom, with a free range of materials, equipment and time to create—and without the everyday financial burdens, and time constraints.
Tell us about the workshop you will be offering at the EGNE conference.
Creating Fine Silver Clay Elements for Enameling Skill level: All Levels Enameling on fine silver metal clay is a wonderful experience. PMC Flex is very easy to work and the clay can even be manipulated in its leather hard stage to make cloisonné settings for enamels. It takes on any shape or texture. One of the best qualities of silver clay is its ability to capture deep textures that would be very laborious to achieve using traditional methods. Transparent enamels look great on deep textured backgrounds. Learn the process of working with PMC Flex clay to prepare a base for your enameling projects. Create texture backgrounds using a variety of techniques – assembling cloisonné cells, texturing, embossing, carving and more. Each participant will create a few fine silver elements that will be fired during the workshop. These elements can be used in a variety of enameling techniques—ready to take back to your studio to enamel later. Material Fee – approximately $125 for the Flex Silver clay kit will be collected at the workshop. (Please note: Each kit will contain a relative amount of PMC silver that they will utilize during the workshop. Personal usage may vary dependent on the size and volume of work you create. The price of PMC is based on current market price of silver as of October 2015 and may fluctuate. Additional materials will be available for purchase.)