"I believe we are all born with an innate sense of awe and wonder for the natural world. It is this awareness combined with my life experience that is the inspiration behind the designs for my line of Art Jewelry."

Artist Statement:

From the Moment I touched metal in my jewelry making class in high school, I knew it was to be my life's work. There are times when I have finished a piece and I am simply amazed, "where did this come from"?, I ask myself. And there is a wonderful feeling of delight! The creative process is constantly evolving which keeps me excited and looking forward to what comes next.

I grew up in a small town surrounded by orchards, redwoods and oaks, the Pacific Ocean, The Sierra mountain range, three brothers and loving parents. They enriched our lives with many adventures from backpacking, and Colorado River rafting to touring Europe in our VW van where we visited castles, museums and collected the antiques that filled our home. We all worked in the family business where I learned my sense of business skills. At the age of 24 my parents blessed me with an opportunity in London where I trained with 'Masters' in traditional techniques of design, engraving and enameling.

I have always paid great attention to detail and visual balance in both composition and color. With each piece, it is my goal to create Jewelry of exceptional quality that will be treasured now and through generations to come. My hope is that my Jewelry evokes in each one of you who comes across it, your own sense of awe, wonder and delight!

I could not achieve my work alone. My husband, family, friends, and customers give me great support. Through the years, interaction with teachers, fellow artists and technicians has created an important avenue for my achievements.

Enanimals Website extends an invitation to you, to share the story behind each design, and a window into my life as an Artist.

 

Education

Sir John Cass Polytechnic; London, England -- engraving, enameling, chasing and repousse, goldsmithing and rendering.

Revere Academy; San Francisco -- goldsmithing and stone setting

San Jose State University; San Jose, California -- metal arts and graphic design

Honors

Awarded certificates from the City and Guilds of London Institute in both engraving and enameling, with distinctions in theory, design, and technique.

Professional Experience

In the mid-1980's I had the privilege of working with Carol Webb. During that time, she was pioneering the technique she uses today as her signature work -- jewelry, sculpture and beads made from patterns photo-etched into laminated metals.

I have had the honor of working as metalsmith to Merry-Lee Rae, cloisonne artist. Her exquisite work in both design and technique has been one of my highest inspirations. We share a cherished friendship and continue a working relationship.

Since 1987 I have been selling my work in juried art shows and in galleries.

Selected Exhibitions

"Mind Over Metal" -- Santa Cruz Museum of Art & History -- 1987
Monterey Bay Metal Arts Guild Group Show -- Rox Arcana, Carmel -- 1998

Selected Publications

Contemporary Enameling Art & Techniques by Lilyan Bachrach
Schiffer publishing ltd

500 Enameled Objects: A Celebration of Color and Metal
Lark Books

Awarded Grand Prize in the Guild of Craft Enamelers Conference competition 1984 for body of work.

First Place in the Guild of Craft Enamelers Conference competition 1984 for an individual work.