One of the biggest obstacles on my creative path has been my inner resistance. I invest so much of myself in each piece that my deepest fears inevitably come out and warn me to stop: Who are you to spend all day creating? Your work is not good enough. There are others more talented than you. You have good ideas today, but what will happen ten years from now? If you show your work, others will copy it. This will never sell, etc. 

These thoughts can be crushing, and I would not be where I am now if I hadn't had help along the way. My main source of support has come from brave artists who soldiered on regardless of their inner critic, and then wrote books to encourage the rest of us. 

These books gave meaning to my life when it seemed aimless and empty. They guided me towards a deeply personal and exiting path, kept me from straying from what I most love to do, and encouraged me to share my work with others. If you have not read them, I recommend you do. They will be great allies along your way.

A friend of mine asked if I would design a protective hand for her tattoo. I’ve always felt a strong connection for this symbol, not only for it’s ancient and benevolent significance, but also because my hands and eyes are what I most treasure. They allow me to observe, think, create, communicate and make a living. 

Whenever I used to ask myself what I wanted to do in life, I was always moved to look at my hands. It’s what I showed the person who once visited my studio and asked me: can I see the machine you use to make your jewelry?

Protective Hand pendant. 
Handmade with 100% recycled sterling silver. 
Soon in my online shop.

Drawing 21. Entwined.
Silver ink on paper. ‪
100 Days 100 Drawings Series.

Drawing 20. Four Protective Hands.
Silver ink on paper. ‪
100 Days 100 Drawings Series.

When I was little I was convinced that I could fly. I knew it was true because every night I would do so in my dreams. It was a strange kind of flight: I moved my legs in a cycling motion and my body slowly elevated. I spent my nights visiting the neighborhood floating above the rooftops. 

One day I realized that although I knew I could fly I had never tried it while I was awake. This happened while my sister and I were waiting for my dad outside the men's locker room at the gym. I sat on a bench and began to pedal but nothing happened. My sister stared at me, so I decided to lie on the floor instead with my arms outstretched, as I had seen in the movies. I felt the weight of my body against the cold marble and realized it was not going to lift. Disappointed, I turned my head to face the wall and discovered an unusually large gold bracelet lying beneath the seat. 

Later, it turned out no one claimed the bracelet and I got to keep it. I felt life was rewarding me for at least trying to fly.

Winged pendant. 
Handmade with 100% recycled sterling silver. 
Soon in my online shop.

Drawing 15. Wonder.
Silver ink on paper. ‪
100 Days 100 Drawings Series.