PRIMITIVE ROOT DESIGN
I am originally from Western New York, but I have lived in Asheville for 11 years. I went to Warren Wilson College for Environmental Studies, and Haywood Community College for Forest Management/ Technologies. I currently work as a professional forester creating management plans for landowners. A lot of my work involves invasive species treatment and timber improvement. My company works directly with Southern Appalachian Highland Conservancy and the Appalachian Trail Conservancy.
While out in the field, I collect organic materials such as leaves, pinecones, bones, flowers and bring them back to my art studio to convert them into jewelry. I use a process called electroforming, where the actual object is incased in a layer of copper. I do not use any kind of casting, so each creation is one of a kind and hand collected from the mountains surrounding Asheville. As local as it can get!
I take great pride in my work and try to use only native species to the area, while also being ethical and sustainable about my harvests. I collect only a few items at a time and it's always seasonal. I don't want to harm the native population. Custom orders are accepted!
