I recently read a blog post from The Tales of a Stroke Survivor about dark chocolate and its potential link to slowing biological aging, and while I went in expecting something fun and fluffy, I walked away thinking a lot more deeply about how everyday foods interact with our bodies. The article focuses on biological age , which is different from chronological age. Biological age looks at how our cells and systems are functioning — and apparently, two people the same age can

I recently read an article about what our brains naturally do during winter, and it honestly made me feel a lot more compassionate toward myself — and the slower pace this season seems to bring. The article explains that winter isn’t a time when our brains are “underperforming.” Instead, our brains are doing something different . What really stood out to me is the idea that our brains shift inward during winter. Neuroplasticity doesn’t stop — it just becomes quieter and more

Every repoussé piece begins simply: a flat sheet of metal and an idea. From there, the transformation unfolds slowly. The metal is worked from the reverse side using specialized tools, gradually raising shapes and textures forward. Unlike mass production, repoussé cannot be rushed. Each form emerges through hundreds of small, controlled movements. The artist listens to the metal, adjusting pressure, angle, and rhythm as the piece responds. As the design develops, the metal is

Art doesn’t always belong on a wall. Sometimes, it belongs in motion, worn, experienced, and woven into daily life. When jewelry is created as art, it becomes personal. It absorbs memory, movement, and meaning. Each wearer adds their own story to the piece, transforming it beyond the moment it was made. Repoussé jewelry exists at the intersection of sculpture and adornment. It holds depth, texture, and presence while remaining intimate and wearable. These pieces aren’t meant

Long before machines shaped metal, human hands did. Repoussé is one of the oldest metalworking techniques in history, dating back thousands of years and spanning cultures across the globe. From ancient Egypt and Mesopotamia to Greece, Rome, and Asia, artisans used repoussé to create dimensional metal surfaces by shaping the material from the reverse side. Unlike engraving or casting, repoussé is a slow conversation between artist and metal. Each raised form is created through

Some creative projects announce themselves loudly. Others arrive slowly, almost in whispers. This book of poetry has been the latter. The work began not with the intention to publish, but with the simple act of paying attention. Moments, thoughts, sensations, captured without urgency. Over time, those fragments began to gather, forming a rhythm. A voice. A shape that felt like it wanted to become something whole. Writing poetry is different from other forms of making. It asks

Commissioned work holds a unique place in my creative practice. Each piece begins not with a blank slate, but with trust, someone inviting me into their story, their history, or their purpose. Over the years, I’ve had the honor of creating commissioned work for musicians, artists, and individuals whose lives and experiences carry deep personal meaning. This includes projects for Eric Clapton, John Carter Cash, and members of the military community. While each commission is di

Giving back has always been woven into the creative process, not as an obligation, but as a value. Art doesn’t exist in isolation. It’s shaped by community, connection, and the shared human experience. Philanthropy and charity, in that sense, isn’t separate from creation. It actively informs it. When creativity is rooted in care for others, the work changes. It slows down. It becomes more intentional. Each piece carries awareness beyond aesthetics, an understanding that art c

My pewter girl :) Recently, I created a small AI character, one that feels less like a tool and more like a quiet reflection of my creative spirit. This character wasn’t designed to replace human creativity or intuition. Instead, it emerged as an extension of it. A visual and conceptual companion shaped by curiosity, play, and the same exploratory mindset that guides my work in art and jewelry. In many ways, this AI character mirrors the principles of neuroplasticity. It lear

A new year often comes with pressure to do more, go faster, and aim higher. But moving forward doesn’t have to mean pushing harder. For this work, and this creative practice, moving forward means continuing with intention. The goal for the year ahead is simple: to keep creating in ways that honor the brain’s natural ability to adapt and evolve. That means allowing ideas to unfold organically. Giving space for experimentation without demanding perfection. Designing pieces that

As this year comes to a close, I’ve been taking time to look back, not just at what was created, but how it was created. This year wasn’t about rushing toward outcomes or chasing trends. It was about listening closely. To materials. To intuition. To the quiet ways the brain and body adapt, reshape, and heal over time. Every piece of art and jewelry made this year carried that intention. Neuroplasticity teaches us that change doesn’t happen all at once. It happens through rep

The holidays have a way of gently asking us to pause. As the year comes to a close, the days grow shorter, calendars fill up, and routines shift. It’s a season that can feel joyful, overwhelming, nostalgic, or all three at once. More than anything, it’s a reminder to slow down, if only a little, and take stock of what really matters. This time of year isn’t just about gifts or gatherings. It’s about moments. Quiet mornings with coffee before the house wakes up. Laughter that

The holidays are often described as magical, but they’re also busy. Really busy. Between packed calendars, end-of-year deadlines, school events, shopping lists, travel plans, and trying to make everything feel “special,” it can start to feel like the season is happening to us instead of with us. If you’ve caught yourself saying, “I just need to get through the next two weeks,” you’re not alone. This time of year has a unique way of speeding everything up. There’s pressure t

There’s no place quite like New Orleans during the holidays. While many cities lean into traditional winter festivities, New Orleans blends seasonal cheer with its unmistakable culture, music, and flavor, creating a holiday experience that feels both magical and refreshingly unique. From the moment you arrive, the city feels alive with celebration. Historic streets glow with lights, balconies are draped in festive decorations, and holiday music spills out from jazz clubs and

The holiday season is always a time for reflection, gratitude, and connection, and being represented at the recent UofL Health holiday event was a perfect reminder of just how powerful those moments can be. My investor, Armin Krupp, and project manager, Stephany Price, were both in attendance. There was an unmistakable sense of warmth and appreciation in the room. UofL Health brought together healthcare professionals, staff, and community partners to celebrate a year defined

Through the love of helping others i have developed this !!! Some jewelry catches your eye, but some pieces capture your heart . The Changing Heart Pendant is one of those rare designs that does both, blending elegance, symbolism, and a touch of playful magic into a piece you can wear every day. At first glance, it appears to be a beautifully sculpted heart, crafted from either sterling silver or gold. But look closer, this heart has movement , personality, and a story of it

Every artist has a few supplies that develop… let’s call it a robust sense of adventure. In my case, it’s beads. They escape constantly. I like to believe they’re living their best lives instead of simply slipping through my fingers. So today, allow me to tell you the story of one such explorer. His name was Milo. (Yes, I named him. You spend enough hours in a studio, and you start naming your materials.) Milo was a small, round, iridescent bead with the confidence of someone

Embracing the Unexpected in Art I always thought I was the one in charge of my studio. After all, I’m the human with the opposable thumbs, the one paying the electric bill, and the one who opens the paint jars and sharpens the tools. But apparently, none of that matters when the colors decide they’ve had enough of my plans. It all started innocently enough. I laid out a perfectly reasonable palette on my table: soft peach, calming teal, and a touch of gold shimmer. It was a p

If you think you’ve tasted Mexican food in the U.S., Monterrey might make you rethink everything. I had some of the most delicious meals of my life there. Simple dishes bursting with flavor, cooked with love, and seasoned with a kind of regional pride you can’t replicate. None of the Mexican food I’ve had in the States (and I’ve eaten it in GA, TX, AL, SC, IN, CA, AZ, and NY) compares to the depth and freshness I experienced in Monterrey. One unforgettable stop was Buke , a r

Monterrey surprised me with its museums, not only the volume of them, but the care put into preserving history. In the historic center, you’ll find museums that feel like stepping back in time. Out in the countryside, you’ll find places where scientists from around the world gather to study ancient fossils and handwritten texts that have survived for centuries. One museum cost just 20 pesos to enter, less than what you’d pay for a cup of coffee in the U.S. And yet inside, the