Ventura, California born and Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania based, I am the jewelry designer and creator of all things designs2c which, I formed in 2006.
Although my degree from UC Santa Barbara is in history, I supplemented that curriculum with many Art History and Theater Costume Design courses. These passions and interests converged with my love for all things British and royal and are reflected in my designs.
From the beginning, my art has been driven by color and texture. I design primarily with glass seed beads, Czech glass beads, and Swarovski crystals. Czech glass beads, with their extraordinary color and diversity of bead shapes, inspire new and innovative work. However, my stitch choices dictate the design of my seed bead pieces. My favorite stitch is Right-Angle weave in its many different forms. It allows me the versatility to structure a framework of loops or bars on which I can play with shape and color, or embellish with other beads. I like to tell people Right-Angle weave is like Legos; its options are limitless.
My art is inspired by more than simply beads and stitches. Edwardian and Indian jewelry are lifelong interests. Their shapes and colors influence the designs and overtones of my pieces. For example, the shape of my “Loop” necklace was inspired by an early 20th century English tiara. The materials and stitch gave this classic form a clean, modern look.
While I make statement pieces worthy of art shows, I design for everyday wear. I am happiest when they are one in the same. One of my favorite quotes is by Marc Jacobs who said, “The customer is the final filter. What survives the whole process is what people wear. I’m not interested in making clothes that end up in some dusty museum.” My jewelry is functional, beautiful, and ultimately wearable.
I recently visited Prague and toured the cottage industry of Czech glass bead makers, which has been in existence since the 12th century. Look for these incredible handcrafted beads to appear in my current and future designs.
I am married to a British professor of Materials Science & Engineering. Ian has always encouraged and supported me, even when I wasn’t particularly confident that I could make a go in this business. Together, we have two grown children. When I am not beading I am in the pool and am a proud member of US Masters Swimming.
To see more of my work please visit:
www.designs2cpgh.com
www.facebook.com/designs2c
www.instagram.com/designs2c