Education:

Art History, University of Nebraska at Omaha

American History, University of Maryland- Asian Division, Yakota, Japan

American and Architectural History, Architecture- University of Nebraska at Lincoln

Hot Shops, Open Exhibit, March 2005

Garden Art Fair, Westside Community Center, 108th and Grover, May 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007

Bead Dreams 2007, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, juried bead show

Iowa Western Community College, Continuing Education Department, Council Bluffs, Beadweaving series, 2004-2005, 2007

Iowa Western Community College, Continuing Education Department, Shenandoah, Iowa, Beadwork series, Fall 2006, Spring 2007, Fall 2007, 2008

International Bead Market, Omaha, Nebraska- Currently teaching

"Salon," Belle Armoire, May/June 2005, pages 61 and 76.

"Salon," Belle Armoire, July/August 2005, pages 55 and 74.

"That's Clever," Bead embroidered heart pendant, Home and Garden Television, October 17th, 2006

Haute Handbags, Volume 2, April 2007, page 122.

Buyer, International Bead Market, Rockbrook Village, Omaha, Nebraska

Dundee Gallery, 4916 Underwood Avenue, Omaha, Nebraska

Joslyn Art Museum Gift Shop, 2200 Dodge St., Omaha Nebraska

Etsy, A place to buy and sell all things handmade

I am the sole creator of each piece of art to wear produced from my studio, personally selecting each component that goes into a finished work. My preferred beadwork methods are bead embroidery and freeform peyote because they can ideally convey my creativity to its fullest. Beadwork is the best medium I have found where what I visualize, what my mind's eye sees, my hands can recreate.

Bead embroidery is a technique of hand stitching individual or small groups of 4 to 6 beads to a backing material. Freeform peyote is a stitch where beads are sewn together, one at a time. I rarely begin a project with absolute surety of the finished piece. I assemble a palette of beads, but I allow the work to develop organically as I stitch.

I am most influenced by collage artists and photographers, particularly Dave McKean and Nick Bantock, for composition. For structure and balance I turn to my study of architecture, especially that of Corbusier and Gaudi. I am also inspired by the sounds, smells, people, and landscapes of the Northwest and Southwest.

When someone wears my work, I want them to feel like they are part of a living sculpture. My designs enhance and accentuate that person's uniqueness, their individuality.