I was born and raised in east bay area of San Francisco California at the foot of Mt. Diablo. That part of California is geographically rich with wild rolling hills to explore and has an auspicious climate for growing beautiful gardens. As a playful daydreamer, I found a sanctuary outside, investigating all the wonders of Nature. There was a creek by my family’s home I remember spending countless hours. I love exploring and seeking out the beautiful patterns in nature have been inspired by nature as an artist.

I became a “rock-hound” at a very young age. And around the age of 10 two of my most memorable finds were an amazing rose quartz, and a fossil of a shell embedded near the top of a mountain. My fascination with stones and origins of geology was sparked with the realization that the mountain was once under the sea.

Later one of my first jobs was in a bead store where I started making bracelets and other jewelry, never knowing that I would someday make a lifelong career of it, and I still have some of the beads from that job! I found working with my hands an expression of my truest self and found so much joy in it, from learning to make my own clothes, gardening, and making jewelry. They say your hands are an extension of your heart, so as an artist, my work has been a true expression of my love for Nature.

Early in my 20’s I fell in love and got married, putting my education on hiatus. We had two beautiful children while we searched for where to call home. We moved to the island full time in 1980. Once the boys were old enough and I could go back to work, there wasn’t much available for me. Since I love gardening and working with my hands, I worked in a couple different garden centers. Gardening and growing flowers is one of my favorite summer pastimes, so these jobs were wonderfully fun, however I needed something year-round. I was offered a position at what is now called Claudia’s Jewelry store in Vineyard Haven. There I learned stringing, knotting, and started creating my own designs, which are still sold there to this day. After 10 years I wanted to pursue my jewelry more full-time, and a friend told me about the artisans shows saying I should make more jewelry with wampum and sea glass since it was rare to find back then. I was voracious to learn more and expand my skills so I learned to silversmith. My friend that helped teach me kept saying, “practice practice, practice”!!! And so I did! I continue to be fascinated by the variety of gemstones with the colors, texture, and where they are found. Some of my favorites are blues and greens, of which you see in the ocean. I have always had a romantic connection with pearls, what a beautiful gift from nature!

I get so much of my inspiration walking the beaches and trails on the Vineyard in all of its seasons. Every piece I make is unique and has been inspired by the Vineyard. Beyond the website and the artisan fair in the summertime, you can find my work at Claudia’s, and Driftwood.

Always feel free to contact me with questions and thoughts.