I have dabbled in many art mediums—from crayons and acrylics to crocheting and mixed-media, even tried photography and rock tumbling—searching for the one that would finally stick. Once I found copper, I never looked back. I love creating pieces that tell a story or spark a specific feeling—like standing on a mountain ridge, looking down at a flowing river, and feeling the breeze against your skin—all while remaining beautifully functional.

My inspiration comes from the inherent properties of my materials—how a specific gauge of copper responds to the hammer or how the copper ages naturally, like a living piece of art. I am also drawn to nature; it always seems to find a place in my work. I find a deep sense of purpose in honoring ancient techniques, finding inspiration in the slow, deliberate pace of hand-forging and manually sawing.

These funds would be used to help equip a professional atelier dedicated to the advancement of my craft. I would invest in specialized tools, such as a bench shear, to allow larger-scale pieces, and would free up more time for the intricate hand-sawn details. Additionally, this would allow me to prep for a physical retail presence and bring my work to larger artisan showcases, ensuring these traditional handcrafting methods continue to thrive.