I chose to create with the solid lattice of metal. The beauty of metal work comes from the interplay of process and techniques that are used to create a finalized piece. Unlike other ways of storytelling, the practitioner must learn how to use fire and pressure to shape their story. I was introduced to this dance in a high school metals class, where the raw power of lighting in one’s hand attracted me to pursuing an associate’s degree in welding. 

            Welding was not the end goal but served as the diving board to the molten pool of metalsmithing. While attending the School of Design at the University of Kansas, my hands became restless. I no longer smelled hot iron or acetylene; bright sparks no longer fluttered around my head. My curiosity and restless hands carried me through the halls of Chalmers and into the open hose of an old friend, the red acetylene tank. 

            The curiosity that dragged me through the halls is also responsible for hybrid creations of amalgamation. I unite elements of nature, literature novelty and emotion with the language and orientation of jewelry. My admiration for nature seeks to represent the interaction between humanities urge for control and natures emphasis on expansion. As well as studying the interaction between the seen and unseen elements of pastoral Kansas.