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I often incorporate stones, shells, feathers, leaves, and other natural objects from local islands or seashores to create my silver designs.

In addition, I use paua shells (abalone) from New Zealand in many pieces. I find the ever-changing green/blue colour of this shell combines with the silver to create a lovely combination. This colour inspires me to use the many varieties of turquoise stone in my work. I want it to BREATHE WEST COAST (as a recent artist described my pieces).

All of the silver pieces I create are FINE SILVER (99.9% silver). The process I use to make them involves working first with the silver in a clay form (which is actually microscopic particles of silver suspended in an organic binding binding). I work with this pliable material by rolling it out or just working with it in my hands. I then make different impressions in the silver clay using a variety of techniques.

Most recently, I have been making impressions of objects such as starfish patterns and shells. I also create a more three-dimensional look by layering or molding my pieces over a form (such as a spoon). I then use my kiln to burn off the binding. When heated to a high temperature, the silver particles fuse together to form solid silver that can be sanded, soldered, hammered, and polished like conventional material.

After the firing, there are a number of ways I use to finish the piece. This involves polishing in a tumbler, burnishing sections by hand, using different patinas to create an antique look, combining hand-made accent pieces and often incorporating gemstones, lava rock, and unique sterling silver beads to create an individual look for each necklace, bracelet, ring, or pair of earrings. The process will often take several days to complete.

This silver clay (often called Precious Metal Clay (PMC)) is a revolutionary new product developed in Japan in the early 1990s. I find it interesting to combine this rather new way of doing silver work with an ancient art called VIKING KNIT, to create each different and unique piece. I weave sterling silver wire to form complete bracelets and also as an accent combined with gemstones.

Viking knit is one of the oldest forms of knitting and although the process takes a considerable amount of time, I find the final result very pleasing because of its strength and lightness. There is a delicacy about a Viking knit piece I find quite unique and beautiful.

I make all of my clasps by hammering sterling silver wire. I love combining different gemstones in some of my work and then I also like the simplicity of suspending an intricate silver design on a simple omega sterling silver chain. I also fuse fine silver wire to make silver chains and earrings.

I have studied art at university, while doing my degree in mathematics, and over the years I have taken courses in drawing, watercolour painting, acrylic painting, fabric art, theatre, writing, dance, and most recently many courses in working with precious metals.

I love to create and have found sharing my art with people at different shows to be a fulfilling and exhilarating experience. I love teaching because I enjoy working with young people, discovering how they think and how I can cajole them into thinking mathematics is fun. I have found that relating to people at shows is very similar and easier in many ways because most people actually think that art is fun (they do not need to be convinced). I usually demonstrate the technique of Viking knit and I have found many are interested and amazed that I actually weave such intricate designs.

I taught in the Queen Charlotte Islands for 2 years, the Comox Valley for 26 years and moved to Victoria to be the Head of Mathematics at St. Michaels University School for the past 6 years. I am a West Coast Girl who loves living on the Island.

EDUCATION

Honours Mathematics Degree (Education) from the University of British Columbia during my degree I took a number of Fine Arts courses in both studio work and history of art.

Completed Level I and Level II Precious Metal Clay Certification. These levels allow me to teach others this art form.

Completed an Intensive Metal work course using both silver and copper.

Completed a course in Viking Knit.

TEACHING EXPERIENCE

I have taught mathematics for 34 years.

I have recently been teaching a variety of these silverwork techniques to local interested students and other individuals. I taught a course at Jupiter Ranch on Gabriola Island in mid October, 2008.

PUBLICATIONS AND RELEVANT MEMBERSHIP

I have written mathematics textbooks for a publisher for over 15 years and have published books in New York, Quebec, Ontario, British Columbia at many different levels, mostly from Grades 9 to 12.

Although my main artwork at present is making silver jewellery, I also draw, paint, make watercolour quilts, and do fabric art.

I belong to the Island Artisans Guild.

RECENT SHOWS

Out of Hand Christmas Fair (juried show) November 2007 (Conference Centre in Victoria) - A picture of one of my pendants was prominently featured on their webpage and in their advertisements in the paper.

Gifts for Myself and Others (juried show) November 2007 (daVinci Centre in Victoria)

Calico Christmas Fair (juried show) November 2007 (Pacific Christian School)

Sidney Summer Market (juried) Summer 2007 (Streets of Sidney)

Glendale Garden Art Show (juried) April 2007 (Glendale Gardens in Victoria)

Filberg Festival (juried) August 2008 (Comox, BC)

Out of Hand Christmas Fair (juried show) November 2008 (Conference Centre in Victoria)

Positively Petite Show, place des arts 1120 Brunette Ave, Coquitlam, BC November 13 to December 19 2008