Jewelry

The term ‘barrette’ is a French word that means ‘small bar’, which is defined as a clip or bar for holding hair in place.

The line between functional and art for art’s sake…. I enjoy the format of a hair clip using the French Hair Barrett back as the base to create tiny little sculptural runways. As always, the use of found materials is the backbone of my work. I usually choose a centerpiece and then work around it. I am currently grappling with adornment, or should they just be framed sculptures? I have been leaning heavily into just design, and I hope to continue this with mixed metal work in a variety of jewelry forms. 

Incorporating found jewelry and objects evokes personal memories or cultural stories, adding depth and meaning to the artwork. The materials often carry their own histories, enriching the narrative. Found materials provide a diverse range of possibilities, which can inspire new design directions and ideas, allowing me to experiment across different media. Overall, found materials not only shape the aesthetic of the work but also infuse it with deeper conceptual significance.  Utilizing found materials promotes ecological sustainability by repurposing items that might otherwise be discarded, highlighting environmental consciousness. This is just a small sample of the hundreds I have made. 

Contact me or go to one of the galleries that represent me to see or purchase the work.

The term “barrette” originates from the French word meaning “small bar,” referring to a clip or bar used to hold hair in place. So these are truly a small bar – 1 -1.5 inches in length.

Art collecting should begin at a young age, and these charming hair clips offer an excellent introduction. The intersection of functionality and art is intriguing, and I find the format of a hair clip, utilizing the French hair barrette as a base, to be an ideal canvas for creating miniature sculptural displays. The use of found materials remains central to my work, typically selecting a centerpiece and building around it. Currently, I am exploring the concept of adornment and contemplating whether these pieces should be considered wearable art or framed sculptures.

Architecture of form jewelry works. My found object jewelry (pendants, earrings and brooches) are made in sets, each piece is 100 percent original and there is not another one like it. Each set has about 20-60 pieces.

I am always looking and always finding. I had been journaling last fall about home as I was faced with the selling of our home and buying a new one and living in two new places. Where is/was home? As I journaled about home I looked in the little free library (you know the kind – a little house on a pole with two shelves and a magnet to hold the door shut) near my home in Hartsel, Colorado. I found this lovely little 1960’s booklet with floor plans of vacation homes that could be purchased and built. I carefully cut out all the tiny little floor plans and kept them all winter wondering what might become of them. Brainstorming with my modernist artist friend, Jude Barton (you always need brainstorming friends) helped me get a hold of this series of work. A tiny plan of a conversation pit (I guess that used to be a thing) , bath, living space, basement with steps which I placed behind metal washers so they could be seen through the hole.

My work is a combination of strong design elements and little bits of (what is that?- it is a manufacturing cast off) and texture. I am always looking. Friends, family and students are always giving to my creative work. Some perceive me as a pack rat but in fact I am a bit of a minimalist. All my supplies are organized by color and shape for easy design work when I am searching for just the right combination.

My work comes to the new owner framed in a shadow box so you can enjoy it on the wall but also wear it. The world is full of things that can be used to make beautiful works of art. Start looking and you will find.