Artist Bio

As a young teen I was inspired to bead by what I saw at the 4th of July Pow-wows, held on the Flathead Reservation in Montana. Women, men, and children were adorned from head to toe with the most intricate of beadwork. Years into beading I realized that these colors and patterns and the meditation of beading was a part of my heritage and was privileged to see a variety of beadwork in a museum created by my great great grandmother.

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By following my heart and my art I have traveled both inward and outward through color spectrums of beauty. My hope is that I am able to imbue my work with the magic of nature which inspires it. I collect stones, beads, and amulets wherever I go, and these get woven into powerful creations that hold the energy of the places from which they have come. I have been able to collect incredible treasures from market places in Asia, Central, and South America, Hawaii, and wherever else my travels take me. I often work in local jade and abalone and gather much inspiration from the sea. My work is a reflection or a distillation of the places that inspire me. I am able to work at the beach, the river, or the mountain top and my best work often comes when I am able to let go of all commitments and sink into timelessness.

Purchasing beads in Nepal

Bead Vendor in Nepal

Working during a Nepalese snow storm

Rosalia, Rachel, & Shannon opening the Garden Gallery

In highschool and college I had the opportunity to work at galleries and a bead store designing and selling jewelry. For years I sold my work at farmers' markets, music festivals, and local arts and crafts shows. Once I moved to Big Sur I had the great fortune of being a partner and owner of an artist's co-operative for 8 years, The Big Sur Garden Gallery. Since selling the gallery I have been reconstructing my livelihood through creating jewelry for the gallery, special orders, local shows, and now the creation of our family website. In great gratitude I thank all of my customers through the years that have supported me and collected my work.