Artist Statement

Inspired by my childhood memories and love of vintage objects, I have created a dreamland for adults, using metal as their foundation. My intent is to create a safe landing for adults to escape from reality, opening up their imagination and releasing their inner child. 

I believe childhood is one of the most important periods of one’s life. These early experiences continue to impact us throughout adulthood, shaping our personalities and value systems. I want to remind people of their happy memories. The laughs we shared at the circus with our loved ones, the meals enjoyed around the family dinner table, the beloved stuffed animals we held tight through the night are all important memories that keep us positive and grounded. Though we may not be able to run away from the pressure and stress we must all face as adults, we can create a safe place that only belongs to ourselves. A place where we can calm down and heal. 

I am inspired by vintage objects because they also have a story to tell. Instead of letting them be forgotten and left behind I bring them back to life, giving them new meaning and purpose. Vintage toys, medical instruments, and graphics become the starting point for an idea. I then use metal to fabricate the dreamland from my imagination to create my little world. While working I search for a balance between cute and eerie. I include but transform the eerie elements into things that are delightful and heart-warming. I want to surprise people with the unexpected, changing their initial bias initiated by each object’s former life. By combining these materials with metal I transform them into jewelry and sculpture, allowing adults to enjoy the pure happiness of playing with toys while also providing a safe place for them to escape and relive their past innocence.