Artist’s Statement

It has always been difficult for me to separate who I am from what I do. I was a psychiatric nurse for over twenty-five years. I have also, always, been an artist, at least at heart. A few years ago, I had the epiphany that being creative made me happier than anything or anyone else. I resolved to move my passion out of the wings and onto center stage.

I officially launched my first company, Aurora Beadwork, in the fall of 2002 and have been making jewelry every day since then. In 2004 I changed the name of the company to Two Son Jewelry to reflect the broader scope of my designs, and to honor my best work! My jewelry is seen mainly at  Fine Art and Craft shows along the east coast, and in a few selected galleries and shops. The psych nurse in me loves the interaction with my customers and the artist in me draws inspiration from the smallest flower and broadest vista that I am fortunate enough to notice in my travels.

After working for more than two decades in the hospital, I revel in the tangible and beautiful results I see after just one day in the studio. A mass of gems and glass beads is transformed into something that will make someone else as happy to wear it as I am to create it. I guess that making people’s lives better, either through art, or through nursing, is what I do. And who I am.

Burlington, VT  2005

I wrote this artist's statement in 2005 as a part of a show application.  Seven years later, it still rings true to me.  I still love what I do, and frequently claim that I have the best job in the world.  When the creative juices are flowing I can't wait to get out of bed and into the studio.  The winters in NH can be challenging but it's always spring at my work bench!  The second best part of my job is traveling to shows, and seeing the jewelry on different women.  I love talking about the work, and selling it, of course, but the compliments  and the happiness the work evokes,  feed my soul.  Filling the spiritual bank is at least as important as the money one, and on some days, so much more.

Chester, NH  2012