odd Conover Associate professor of Design, Syracuse University School of design, College of Visual and Performing Arts Member- SNAG, Society of North American Goldsmiths Member- Society of Illustrators Member-American Crafts Council While I don't intentionally create work with preconceived conceptual meanings, my artistic endeavors serve as a channel for expressing memories and experiences. My creative process isn't typically predetermined; however, I constantly carry a sketchbook and camera to observe the macro level, seeking small shapes, patterns, and details that ignite my creative inspiration.

Often, these initial sketches and photographs give way to more prevailing concepts that arise during my explorations. This cycle of conceptual birth, development, occasional abandonment, and eventual re-birth fuels my creative energy and keeps the element of surprise alive in my artistic output.

My journey into working with metal wasn't initially planned. Metal found me through my fascination with collecting early 20th-century American Arts and Crafts Period metalwork.

In an effort to deepen my appreciation as a collector, I delved into understanding the fundamental aspects of design and production behind these century-old pieces. I contextualized these questions within the socio-political and economic environment of the Arts and Crafts Period, which directed the decorative arts of that era.

Through hands-on exploration, I discovered that the techniques and processes used to create these objects had remained largely unchanged over centuries, regardless of the time period. My fascination with obscure techniques of hand metalworking led me down a path of obsession, driving me to learn and apply these techniques in my own unique works.

As my technical skills and body of work expanded, I realized that incorporating metal into my artistic practice was a natural and significant development. This transition seamlessly integrated with my background in fashion design, as metalwork and fabric construction share similarities in fluidity and construction techniques. The design and crafting process for a piece of jewelry became analogous to that of a dress or jacket.

With twenty-five years of experience in fashion design, I found it a logical progression to transition my focus from decorative objects to jewelry making. This pivot allowed me to invest my creative energy, design process, and studio practice into the world of jewelry.

My pieces are often characterized by their boldness, drawing inspiration from natural forms to emphasize surface and materials. I incorporate colors through various means, such as using freeform cabochons of gemstones, glass, and rock, as well as employing ancient patina techniques and enameling methods. Additionally, my work embraces material experimentation, where I explore the application of raw and unrefined textures.

This approach adds a distinctive quality to my pieces, allowing me to evoke a sense of raw beauty and authenticity. The interplay of unexpected yet interconnected materials and techniques has enabled me to craft jewelry that is not only unique but also embodies my artistic evolution.

The amalgamation of metal and fabric techniques in my work captures the essence of natural forms while incorporating a range of materials to bring depth, color, texture, and a sense of unrefined allure to the pieces.