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While in high school I started working with cold glass, creating stained-glass projects, moving into warm glass, fusing and slumping functional items. Years later, I took a jewelry-making class that used lampwork beads. While working with the beads, it became clear I had found the essence of what I was searching for. I am always striving to develop my unique signature style. For me, one of the most important components of lampwork is that the appearance of my work be an expression of my personal creativity.

My trail as an artist is best told by one of my favorite bead designs – the Pathway.  The surface decoration has a path that travels along the body of the bead without a break.   Also along the surface are bumps that represent obstacles that occur in life.   Like life’s journey there are unexpected new directions and, in the end, we are left with a pathway that tells its own story. This is symbolic of the ongoing effort to grow and develop as an artist.  The result is a bead I am honored to leave for future generations. 

In 2006 I traveled to Murano, Italy to take classes where glass is a way of life as well as an art form. During that trip a new direction and pathway was discovered. I came across the "Battuto" technique and was captivated by it. I had to learn more and returned to Murano for extensive one-on-one instruction by Master Engraver Luigi Camozzo.

Success as an artist comes from setting achievable goals.  My goals have ranged from finding the appropriate initial classes, exploring new design ideas, attending a mixture of shows and the opening of my new teaching studio this summer.  Additionally, participating in the Northwest Bead Society (NWBS) has exposed me to a variety of artists, introduced me to the history and culture of beading, and developed a rich network of friends.  Joining the International Society of Glass Bead Makers and being the vice-president and president of the NWBS strengthened the foundation I am building and has allowed me to give back to the beading community.

Scholarships:
Recipient of scholarship to attend the 2002 International Society of Glass Beadmakers (ISGB) 10th Annual Gathering in Alexandria, Virginia

Memberships:
International Society of Glass Beadmakers (ISGB), Member
Northwest Bead Society, Current Member, President 2007, Vice President 2004 to 2006
Portland Bead Society, Current Member

Juried Exhibitions:
Landscapes in Glass, ISGB Juried show of Hand Made Glass Beads, Brush Gallery, Lowell MA, Aug. 8-29, 2003
11th Annual Sent Bottle Exhibit, Kittrell/Riffkind Art Glass Gallery, Dallas TX, Jan. 30 to Feb. 28th, 2004

Publications:
Ornament, Volume 31, No.1 October 2007, Artist Statement
The Complete Book of Glass Bead Making, Kimberley Adams, 2005, Lark Books
The Flow, Readers Gallery, Vol.3, Issue 2
1000 Glass Beads, 2004, Lark Books

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