Where are you from and does that affect your work?

I grew up in Vermont and our family tradition was to always make, not buy gifts for the people you cared about. So every year I had to come up with something and often it was jewelry of some sort. When Super Storm Sandy destroyed the first floor of our home and over half of our beachfront community on the Jersey Shore in late October of 2012, it also brought a bunch of beautiful sea glass to the beaches. That year everyone got sea glass necklaces. Soon I was getting requests, and within a year it was a thriving business.

Since then I have branched out to use freshwater and Tahitian pearls as well. I am allergic to most metals so leather cord was always my choice for stringing and I watched YouTube videos to learn how to tie the different knots. I have Viking and Celtic heritage and have always been drawn to those cultures. My pieces definitely reflect that rawness and energy. In 2021 I moved with my husband here to Los Angeles and had to reestablish myself as a local artist during a pandemic which hasn't been easy, but I have begun to see random people out and about wearing my pieces which always brings me great joy and satisfaction.

Who/what are your biggest artistic influences?

Inspiration for my designs comes from dreams or other handmade creations I either see in person or on film or in museums. I am also always open to finding new materials to work with and recently used 2,000 year old glass from Ancient Rome. Walking on the beach and finding sea glass is one of my favorite things to do and I will travel to destinations that are known for sea glass (not surprisingly this is where people used to dump garbage in the water so in a way I am also re-cycling).

The biggest difference between the coasts I have found is that Californians asked for Tahitian pearls; often preferring them to freshwater farmed pearls regardless of the higher cost. I have now become well versed in the world of pearls and oysters and have a true appreciation of nature's only organic (non-stone) gems.

Oh interesting. What is the hardest part of your work?

The hardest part of being an artist for me is the sales part. I love to create but attaching a price to something is difficult especially when I see how much someone likes something I've made but doesn't have the money. Now I try to make something in everyone's price point or offer a barter or trade.

Do you have a favorite piece that you’ve created?

These Flame (Baroque) freshwater pearls with the knotted leather were two of my favorite pieces. One went to a professional pearl diver and one to a cinematographer; I loved that! I would love to do more custom one of a kind pieces.

Anything else you’d like to share?

For 20 years I was a wildlife rehabilitator on the east coast, specializing in wild baby rabbits, chipmunks, opossums and flying squirrels. My jewelry business was able to financially support that and I still had enough time to care for the animals out of our home. If you are an animal charity looking for donations please reach out to me!

Catch Sea You Again at Jackalope Pasadena on April 29th & 30th.

Web: https://www.etsy.com/shop/SeaYouAgain

Instagram: @seayouagainjewelry

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