Jewelry has always been a passion of mine. When I was twelve, I asked my parents for a set of pliers for Christmas. As weird as this request must have seemed at the time, I got what I asked for and have been making jewelry ever since. I have been interested in other types of art as well, but I always knew jewelry was “my thing.” I attended Murray State University, in Murray, Kentucky, where I learned the art of metalsmithing, and received a Bachelor's degree in Art in 1999. Metalsmithing involves many processes such as: soldering, hammering, texturing, filing, polishing, setting gemstones, and forging. Each piece of jewelry starts out as a sheet of sterling silver, and is then transformed into a wearable piece of art by utilizing the many processes of metalsmithing.

The greatest influence on my work is the Art Deco style of art and architecture due to the clean lines and geometric patterns, as well as the excellent craftsmanship characteristic to this movement. I feel that craftsmanship is the most important part of creating art. When a piece of fine art or craft is made with great attention to detail, the observer can physically see the value in that handmade item, as well as the passion the artist has for their work.