About My Work

Although I am an Illustration concentrated major, my first love is Polymer Clay! I started making jewelry for myself about two or three years ago; although I had been playing around with this medium for several years before that.

Why do I work with Polymer Clay? Well, it's a fairly cheap hobby to pick up, and it doesn't take much space. I live at college; this of course means

1. I have very little money and 
2.  I live in a dorm. With a roommate. Picture in your head a 12ft by 12ft space, cut that in half - this is my side of the room. Now cut THAT in half - this is the area I have in which to study, store my clothes, fridge, and food. Now cut that space one more time - this is the space I have in which to be creative, store my supplies, toaster oven, packing materials, inventory; and take my photos. 

It's amazing what kind of inspiration comes out of pure necessity! 

My main inspiration is COLOR! I love startling contrasts, saturated hues, and eye-catching combinations. I try to incorporate some aspect of color into absolutely everything I make. I also try to mix my own colors as much as possible. There is something special about using colors that don't come straight from a package, and it helps ensure that my pieces are, in fact, one of a kind.

I also draw a lot of inspiration from nature. Where I go to school in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan, I have been blessed with an amazing array of shapes, colors and textures. From the wide expanse of Lake Superior [and the critters that live within], to snow covered 'mountains' that sparkle in the sun. I often take my sketchbook on hikes, and come back with pages FULL of ideas!

This natural inspiration translates into a lot of organic, free-flowing shapes in my work. I like swirls and curls over sharp edges and lines any day. I also have an entire line of pendants known as 'Tentacle Pendants' because of their resemblance to the real thing. I try not to be completely literal with my designs, I'd rather be inspired by something, not try to replicate it.

Many other things go into my inspiration archives, including certain movies [the colors in Avatar are GORGEOUS], and the music I listen to [Pink Floyd will get those creative juices flowing any day of the week!].

Well, that is more then enough rambling for now I'd say! If you read all of that... 3 and a half gold stars to you! :)