Through the years I have experimented in both two and three dimensional artwork. I has received numerous awards, grants and scholarships. After graduating in 2002 from the University of Florida with a bachelors degree in fine art, I went on to work for two years at foundry casting bronze, aluminum, and resin. During this time, my interest in direct metal sculpting grew and I began taking blacksmit
hing classes. In 2004, I moved to Jacksonville to work with renowned sculptor and Jacksonville native, David Ponsler. Since then, I have had the opportunity to work on many exciting projects and has learned both traditional and contemporary metal working techniques. I have displayed my work in numerous galleries throughout the United States in both public and private venues. In 2009, I founded The Itty Bitty Smithy, a small scale blacksmith’s shop tucked in the back of Bead Here Now. Located in the heart of Jacksonville’s Five Points area, this bare bones creation station has grown into a classroom filled with tools and work stations offering classes in small sculpture and jewelry. Here students learn skills such as forging, cutting, riveting, shaping and annealing different metals. Eventually, I dream of developing a full scale art school that will offer classes in every medium. Until that time, the smithy will stick to its humble beginnings and continue to share the love of metalwork with the community.
