Connect What is your favorite type of art to create?

Free forming, hand polished cabochons of various stones & minerals. Then taking Macro photos of my finished work. My favorite stone is Gembone. It comes in endless varieties of colors and formations and is truly beautiful when looking closely. There is so many areas to learn in Lapidary work starting with aquiring the stones all the way to a finished shiny stone pendant or display. I learn more every day as this is a full time hobby.

Where do you find inspiration?

I find that the memory of my great grandpa working on rocks makes me feel connected to him. He was a member of the Timpanogas Gem and Mineral Dociety. When I was young I went every year, it was often on my birthday making it even better. His memory inspires me to challenge my Lapidary abilities. To try new shapes, techniques to find the beauty within each stone I work. I also find inspiration in the stones exposing the colors and formations seeing what nature can create inspires me.

What would you do with $25,000?

I would upgrade my printer so I would be able to print larger Macro Photo Art Prints. I would purchase silversmithing supplies to take my Lapidary art to the next level, I would upgrade my Macro camera set up for more detailed pictures, I would buy more needed Lapidary supplies and materials. I would set up classes to teach Lapidary to whoever wants it for free, the money would help with cost of saw blade, and polishing wheels.