Biography & Artist's Statements
Sandra began designing and creating award-winning jewelry as a teenager. Her creative journey has been guided by the art of primal peoples and the art and architecture of Nature. A life-long love of the art of jewelry blends with scientific curiosity into an "alchemy of adornment" While the ancients sought to use the alchemic arts and sciences to turn lead into gold, Sandra turns simple components into complex wearable treasures.
Artist statement: From Oklahoma to Grand Junction - open sky, red rocks, ancient sea remnants, and native cultures lend images and materials for my work. Mixed metals, stones, symbols, ethnic treasures and vintage glass are interwoven to celebrate strength, diversity and beauty with kinetic energy and whimsy.
I see myself as a "pioneer woman of sturdy stock". I grew up on the plains of Oklahoma, where my family homesteaded in the Land Run of 1893. This stark landscape nurtured a generous love of life and an unending curiosity about the workings of the world. Family and life experience have nurtured a human being who joyfully celebrates the gifts of life and the abundance of the universe.