The human mind has a way of unconsciously protecting itself from unpleasant thoughts and emotions.  Focusing on the human need to protect one’s concealed emotions by creating physical barriers through the use of body adornment and forms.  When confronted with the pieces the viewer becomes aware of their own barriers.  The focus is shifted to the emotional defenses that people unconsciously create as a protective device.  The interaction becomes relevant for the viewer on both a visual and an emotional level.

While the functionality and wearability becomes a metaphor; symbolism of our own unconscious ritual generates further meaning and associations that  are attached to the materials, embracing and rejecting the traditions of jewelry.  Both traditional precious metals  and non traditional materials are deliberately incorporated into each piece of jewelry. Design elements such as scale, texture and color evoke and allure both the visual and tactile senses.  While at the same time there is a danger and discomfort in the work that expresses vulnerability. The viewer interacts with the jewelry when placing it on the body.  This action creates an intimate response, adjustment of movement and participation with the jewelry.  Through my work I intend to engage both the viewer and the wearer in exploring one’s unconscious desire to protect that which must remain hidden in our psyches.