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Laura, a native of Southern California, began her studies at San Diego State University as a
graphic design major. Early in her study of graphic design she soon discovered that working in the 2-dimension
was confining to the creative process and quickly sought out an alternative whereby her interest in forming
metal began. She was quickly intrigued by the ability to transform flat sheets of metal into beautiful,
sculptural 3-dimensional forms. Ultimately, following this interest, it led her to graduate from San Diego
State University with a Bachelor’s degree in art with and emphasis on jewelry/metalwork.
Moving to San Francisco, California, she was quickly absorbed into the jewelry community long established in
the Bay Area. She was the 1997 recipient of the Niche Award, a national design competition awarded to those
demonstrating creative use/techniques of metal materials, as wall as honorable mention in the "Women in
Jewelry"design competition sponsored by the Women’s Jewelry Association. Her work has been shown at such
prestigious national shows as the Sausalito Art Festival, the Scottsdale Arts Festival, the Baltimore ACC Craft
Show, The Festival of Arts in Laguna Beach, CA, as well as numerous galleries and boutiques throughout the
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Laura and her Family, Sophia and Paul |
While Laura’s work is both sophisticated and sculptural, the emphasis is on the fluidity and continuity of the
form as a whole. This effect is first achieved by using such simple materials as paper and scissors to cut out
interesting shapes in paper and then they are folded, twisted or bent into sculptural forms that will function
well with the body. Once an interesting form is created the paper model is then used as a pattern to cut the
shape directly out of a sheet of metal. She also enjoys the challenge of creating interesting relationships
between the chain and the pendant by incorporating the line of the chain into the line of the piece. Laura is
very well known for her use of patterned Sterling silver sheet, whereby the overall patterning of the sheet is
first achieved through a process called photo etching. The etching process is done on a sheet of Sterling silver
before any cutting of a piece or forming is done. Because her work is individually hand fabricated, she is able
to use fairly thin metal, which is easily manipulated into the desired shapes and forms. From here the metal
pattern is considered for the addition of pearls or colored stones to compliment its design, as well as the use
of opposing metal color. "It is always an adventure when I sit down to create new designs because one idea leads
to another and continually evolves, resulting in that I never know what is going to come next!"
Laura is also very well known for her unique interpretations of the heart. "I love designing hearts. I
think it is a beautiful symbol that represents all aspects of life." It is a challenge to reinvent the
wheel. It amazes me how many different heart designs I have created. And they just keep coming. It is like I
have to create hearts because it is all about love. "I have touched many people with my unique heart designs.
From a couple celebrating an anniversary to a couple who is commemorating the loss of their daughter to a
heart problem, to a mother who’s son has had many open heart surgeries. It is very fulfilling to make someone
smile."
Laura now shows her work almost exclusively in her shop in Laguna Beach and at the Festival of Arts, also in
Laguna Beach.
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