About the Artist

My fascination with collecting rocks started when I was young, and I still have jars of rocks that I have collected over the years. After moving back to California in 2017, I became fascinated with jade after being exposed to jade carving by a friend.  I witnessed Big Sur Jade being transformed in beautiful one of a kind jewelry. Shortly after that, while walking on a beach in Big Sur with that same friend. I found my first piece of jade and became hooked.

After some pointers, some direction from my friend, and other carvers within the jade community and countless YouTube videos, I started making simple pendants and earrings. Then, 2 years ago, I left my job and started a business making jade jewelry full time and have improved with each piece. In July last year, my partner Merry and I moved back to Washington and landed in Snohomish. After participating as a vendor in the NW Jade Festival last year, I decided I wanted to be a part of the planning committee for the Darrington Jade Festival. By being proactive in the jade community here, not only can I learn about the beautiful jade found here and deepen my skills as an artist, but I can actively help grow the culture and awareness of jade.

Each piece of jade jewelry starts with selecting a piece of rough stone that I have bought from one of my jade sources. Jade and jadeite come from all around the world, but I primarily work with Washington Jade, Wyoming Jade, B.C., Siberian and Guatemalan Jadeite. After I decide on a design, I slab the rough stone on my 10in saw. From there I will trim any pieces for what I need depending on if I am making beads, earrings or pendants. From there I grind and polish each piece. I make the ear wires for the earrings and the finish beads for the paracord pendants. The whole process from start to finish is done by myself!

The meditative process of creating beautiful wearable art made from jade has taught me more than I could even have imagined. My creativity has expanded as my patience has deepened. I have learned to be kinder and more compassionate, not only with myself, but everyone around me. Participating in markets and art events takes discipline and a work ethic that was given to me my late farther and honed through the years. However, as a artist, I focus on the kindness and compassion in cultivating relationships with everyone I meet, rather than the tasks of selling jewelry.

My partner and I live in Snohomish and have participated in several events in town, and we are making friends and contacts. We will be vendors at the Darrington Jade Festival.  I look forward to growing our community by sharing my wearable art and growing the jade culture here in the Pacific Northwest!