About the Artist

I grew up in Grand Forks, North Dakota and received my Visual Arts education at the University of North Dakota as a much older than average student. Last fall, I retired from my position with the University of North Dakota, then my husband, Dwight, and I moved to Climax, MN. Three years ago, I began researching and photographing wrought iron crosses prominent in the Germans-from Russia immigrant cemeteries of Central and Western North Dakota.

These crosses were designed, forged, and uniquely styled identifying each individual blacksmith. The beauty of these lone sentinels of the prairie inspired me to create a series of pendants representing some of those styles. I reflect their diversity in Sterling Silver pendants, which are embellished with precious and semi precious stone. The crosses vary in size with many measuring around 3” enabling them to be used by the clergy as Pectoral Crosses.

I construct my jewelry and small sculpture from Sterling Silver and set many pieces with semi precious gems. I also utilize brass, copper and polymer clay when the design calls for added color and texture. Some pieces are fired enamel, others are formed using a process called cuttlebone casting. My pieces are featured in Galleries and specialty shops in North Dakota and Minnesota.

The Artist's Statement

Inspiration for my work comes from creation, manipulation and sometimes the reassembly of an object. I work off of this original element by picking it up, playing with it, turning it around and examine it thoroughly. After examination, the original element becomes the centerpiece of my design.

Ideas come to me through a story, a poem, ancient myths, folklore, fairy tales and spiritual history. Earth spirits, the Oak King, Holly King and their many cousins are especially interesting with each one having its unique quality and ethnic value. The people of the 13th and 14th century in Ireland influenced me with their struggle to combine their pagan gods with the new Christian God. The incorporation of both ideas into single pieces of art appears in much of my art.

I utilize seeds, pods, and animal bones which all come from the earth. It is important to me that these materials remain in their original form in order to work well with my more primitive pieces. In addition, I use other materials obtained from the earth and manipulated by man such as precious stones, brass, copper and Sterling Silver. This combination of materials enables me to work in both primitive and modern styles.

Several years ago, I researched and photographed wrought iron crosses which are most prominent in Western North Dakota. I have also located similar crosses on remote areas of Minnesota, throughout the United States and in Canada.

I have also discovered Metis, Swedish and Ukranian versions. These crosses were designed and forged by immigrant blacksmiths who settled the prairies. Each craftsman had his own unique style, which I use as inspiration for a series of Prairie Cross Pendants. The beauty of those lone sentinels of the prairie, our state's most precious folk art, must be treasured and preserved for future generations.