Accessories – San Jose
I have been an artist my entire life. At 8 years old I began the adventures of textile arts with my great-grandmother teaching me to crochet. I pursued everything from seamstress and fashion work, to fine beadwork and embroidery. I vended these things in various markets, fairs, and events for many years. In 1996 I began doing Mehndi art (henna body painting) and was immediately enamored. It inspired me to study art and symbols throughout all time periods and cultures. I was published in a design book, and even did a lecture series about the Silk Road with Harvard professors.
In 2010 I had a rare neurological disorder surface that rendered me in debilitating pain, and in a wheelchair for over a year. Taking charge of my own healing, I was able to miraculously heal more than any doctor thought was possible. Unfortunately my ability to vend at the numerous markets and events was no longer viable, so I looked to education. Being a mathematician I began pursuing my mathematics degree. While I was taking multi-variable calculus, I started taking small metal jewelry art classes as well to keep my artist side appeased. Once again, I was enamored. I changed my major to art studio jewelry, and was voted the vice president of the Seahawk Metal Art Club (SMAC) at the college after my first year. I have studied metal fabrication, casting, forming, cold-forging, stone setting, enameling, and cloisonné. It is my goal to make custom heirloom quality wearable art.