I have been creating jewelry since the mid 90's. In 1999 I began to attend an on-going Silversmithing class at Forsyth Tech. The first time thru, the instructor had three projects that taught basic techniques. In subsequent classes, I (along with many others) became an "Advanced Student". That is, I was at liberty to develop and pursue my own projects and designs. The class, at that point, became access to tools that are too expensive for my personal shop and access to the instructor, Susan Szesze - long time silversmith and exceptional instructor - when questions arise that I cannot puzzle out.
Sometime in 2001 (I think), I finally got the hang of the Byzantine chain. Little did I know this would lead to many more chain patterns, many derived from ancient chain mail patterns. Nowdays (writing in February 2009) the majority of my time is spent in exploring new (to me, at least) patterns and the variations thereof. I have taught some patterns to others, as they exhibit interest.
My body of work contains pieces in the following categories: