I am forever grateful for all the amazing mentors I’ve had over the years and wanted to give homage to those who helped pave the path for me
Starr Miller of Pieces of Starr… with her impeccable workmanship, Starr always instills the importance of precision. Not only is she an example to follow, she gives us the tools and knowledge to set us on our path.
James Jewels… the ultimate minimalist always wields me in, reminding me of the beauty of simplicity. Her eye for editing is invaluable.
Sarah Lehtman of Creature… truly honors the beauty of nature and infuses her work with symbolism. She inspires me to find meaning in my work and and to stay connected to the beauty that surrounds us.
Starr Miller and the Smith + Facet Collective
Starr Miller of Pieces of Starr was my first instructor and continues to be a tremendous force behind my work. She is a master stone setter and her work is all about precision and detail, modern and timeless with an edge. In 2017 she opened up her working studio to a small collective of amazingly strong women goldsmiths who work side by side pushing each to be our best. I am proud to be a part of this collective. Check out the other ladies: James Jewels, Sara Lehtman (pictured to the left) and Kayla Williams.
New Approach School for Jewelers
Speaking of master stone setting, I’ve been lucky to have the opportunity to train and will continue to train with my teacher’s teacher as well, Blaine Lewis of New Approach School for Jewelers. Enter ‘little land’ where a ‘flea’s hair’ size cut can make a difference between a well or poorly set stone. This is where true technical mastery is taught.
Ronda Coryelle
Jewelers of America Certified Master Bench Jeweler and one of the world’s most well regarded experts on the use of Argentium, I’m fortunate to call Ronda Coryelle one of my mentors after completing her 6-week Argentium Intensive Series. Because of her I will always ‘sprinkle a little gold and slap a diamond on it, just because I can.’
Michael Boyd and Colorado Center for Metal Arts
Michael Boyd is a true artist, creative stone setting his medium. I’ve always been in awe of his stone on stone work and exuberant designs. His new studio in Pueblo Colorado is a gem for the traveling artist who want to train from this master and his proteges: Ryan Gardner, Josiah Trujillo and Pattie Parkhurst.
Joanne Hernandez and Spruill Center for the Arts
Walking down the halls of Spruill is a bit like going back to grades school, lockers and student art work lining the walls. But don’t let that fool you, the teachers there mean business. Joanne Hernandez is always armed and ready to fill me with new ideas, a plethora of knowledge, and stack of handouts. Her fun and playful creativity continue to inspire me. And I’d be amiss not to mention Kristen Wilder, such a positive influencer as well, and Susan Saul my first instructor at Spruill.
Metal Arts Guild of Georgia
MAGG is a tremendous resource for metalsmiths in Atlanta, Georgia and offers opportunities for intensive training with a number of local and traveling artists. I’ve been fortunate to train with Helen Blythe-Hart, Martha Fitzmier, Alan Bremer, Julia Woodman, E. Douglass Wunder, Richard Salley, John Cogswell, Kevin O’Dwyer,and to be encouraged and mentored by Leigh Griffin.
Other artists who have shared their wisdom, Andy Cooperman, Suzanne Williams, Nash Quinn, Wayne Werner, Steven Brownlee, Deanna Pastel, and locally… Judy Parady, Wendy Tonsitis of Amalgam Arts, and the list will hopefully continue to grow…