Holyoke, MA
Classically trained at the School of the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston I use only traditional metalsmithing techniques so that all pieces are one of kind, play with the dichotomy of industrial shape and organic form, and are timelessly modern. Only recycled American silver, gold, & ethical stones are used creating a principled and wearable piece of art. The pieces are priced diversly so that acquiring an American artesian made good is accessible to most. Each stone is handset in artist-made bezels allowing for a more diverse selection of stone shapes and sizes. No templates, molds, 3D printing, outsourcing, etc., are ever used. Each piece is truly one of a kind, cleanly executed, and named for the little things that inspire. Proud to state that my partner Dana is employed by me as the project manager and apprentice metalsmith.
The Windows Bracelet is inspired by the stained glass above entry ways. Deceptively simplistic, each bracelet is fabricated in the same manner but the windows are never alike. Created in such a way that is pleasing to the eye in varying geometric patterns that can never be duplicated due to the nature of hand-fabrication. The work begins with recycling my scrap back into silver sheet and wire and then the design is laid out and symmetiezed. Using a blowtorch to solder the pieces together, the bracelet takes form and is “pickled” in an acid bath to clean the metal from the fire. Following the fabrication, the bracelet is hammered around a mandrel giving it the traditional shape. Finally, the finished Windows bracelet is tumbled and hand polished bringing a natural shine to the silver.
The Orthoceras Fossil on Vecna Necklace also begins with recycling scrap. However, instead of creating something that is hammered out this requires more finesse as the fossil is surprisingly delicate and I wanted to make sure that the complete fossil was visible. Creating a “cage” around the fossil & then adding in prong settings I was able to showcase the fossil from all angles. The silver is also embossed around the fossil giving more detail to the piece. Each link of the chain is hand-forged and each link must be precise for proper balance. In fact, the chain is adjustable allowing the wearer to choose the length based upon their mood or ensemble.
