Jewelry, both as an object and as an extension of the body, is about lived stories. What are the kinds of stories you like to tell with your work?
I always say that while my design process starts with a specific inspiration, the goal is always to leave the end result more obtuse and in doing so, it leaves the piece open to interpretation by others. They can become these pieces which strike multiple chords, giving a beautiful sort of room for everyone to make their own connection. Nothing gives me greater joy than hearing people say "I love how this piece reminds me of...." The connection is truly what binds it all and the beauty is everyone making their own stories.
"Heirloom" can mean so many different things. What does it mean to you?
A treasure you hold dear, in which you find so much meaning and love that the thought of passing it on one day feels you with joy. It's something to be cherished for generations...
How do you maintain a connection with the natural world? Does this inform the space between work and art?
I made the decision to move back to Maine (where I mostly grew up) a little over three years ago, and it was for this exact reason. Running my own business while living almost 10 years in an urban environment had become too much. Too much stimulation, and too impossible to not compare yourself against the "success" of others, being shoulder to shoulder with them daily. I needed the ocean, once again, on my doorstep. I needed a garden. So I take runs along the ocean, swim in our river, and during the garden season I start and end my day there. I spend as much time as possible barefoot outside.