Born and raised in Taos, New Mexico, I grew up with the mountains in my backyard. I worked summers learning from my uncle, goldsmith G. Phil Poirier. I studied photography in school, and then started building custom furniture. In time, I found my way back to metal while working for a tool company, Bonny Doon Hydraulic Presses. Yet, I struggled to find balance between my love for climbing mountains and my creative work. In 2014 I had a pivotal change of thinking. Instead of seeing my two passions as separate, I asked myself:
What if I combine my passion for making art with my passion for the mountains? Since that day, I have worked to bring these aspects together; exploring my relationship with nature and translating that inspiration into metal. Whether it is the subtle details of the texture of granite or the amazing views, the inspiration offered by the mountains is endless.
I work in a small studio in Taos, NM.
Statement
For years I have been fascinated by lines and patterns in nature. I have also found much joy in moving through nature, whether it is in traversing alpine ridgelines on foot or skis, climbing up the subtle textured holds of sandstone cliffs, or flying through a forest of golden aspens on a bike.
My work is an exploration of those elements of nature and my relationship to them. The patterns in nature have provided me with endless inspiration and working in metal has likewise given me endless techniques to learn and explore. Jewelry has been my focus for many years as I am drawn towards the intimacy of wearable objects.