For the majority of my 20’s, I spent my time traveling internationally, doing seasonal work in national parks, long-distance hiking, working on biodynamic farms, and connecting with nature & people. I always found my self back in the PNW, only to realize it was time to be on the road again. My many years of traveling led me to my path as a jeweler and continues to influence my art to this day.

Over the years, I became fascinated with crystals and minerals. I remember the day a friend made me a custom wire wrap pendant and I immediately found myself inspired by the piece. I bought some spools of silver and started playing around with wire wrapping. I gradually progressed, started getting custom commissions, and spent a lot of time exploring that art form. I then took a basic metalsmithing class and was enamored with the art form and the creative paths it opened in my mind.

I put down roots in Portland in 2016, soon finding the Multnomah Arts Center where I started taking as many classes and workshops as possible. Every teacher brought value and excitement to my life and creative abilities. I soon began creating simple fabricated pieces, and wire wrap/fabrication hybrids. My passion and love for the metal arts grew and grew. I started experimenting with designs, gradually adding more and more design elements. In Late 2017 I took a basic engraving course at the GRS Training Center, which opened up a whole new set of skills to add to my work. 2018 I studied with Master engraver Sam Alfano and had my eyes opened to the world of filigree and scrollwork and rekindled my love of drawing. In 2019 I took an inlay and figures intensive engraving course with Jeff Parke and once again fell in love with the art of inlaying colored metals to create depth in design. His tips and tricks helped me elevate my art to the next level and push the boundaries of what I thought was possible. In 2020, I studied with master goldsmith Kent Raible and learned more about the ancient art of granulation and his hand fabricated jewelry techniques.

At this point, my following was growing, commissions were coming in and it was still just a hobby. I had my day job as a house painter, where I dreamed up jewelry designs all day, every day, and would work on art in the evenings. When the pandemic hit, I lost all my painting jobs and decided it was time to leap into being a full-time Jeweler. In 2021, the opportunity arose to study with Paul Bartnik. Through that experience, I learned the art of wax carving, casting, bright-cut engraving, advanced stone setting techniques. My work and attention to detail have continued to progress through these experiences and I know that I will never stop growing as an artist. I will always be seeking more knowledge in this art form that I love so much. Getting to connect with my clients to create one-of-a-kind, heirloom pieces that will be passed down for generations is one of the most fulfilling parts of what I do. Expect big things from Wanderer Metalworks, I'm just getting started!