A resident of Montana, Julie struggled for years to find her path before discovering the art of metalsmithing. She earned a BA in Fine Arts from Montana State University in 1994, graduating with honors and as the outstanding senior in metalsmithing, and has been a practicing metalsmith ever since. She now exhibits in juried shows throughout the country including the Crafts Park Avenue and ACC shows in Chicago and Baltimore.

Julie’s creative drive: “My love and passion of metalsmithing combined with my appreciation of nature and organic forms. I love to hand fabricate metal using traditional methods, melting, hammering, bending … I like the hammer and tool marks left on the piece because it symbolizes my personal touch.”

Key emotion represented in her work: “Appreciation of nature and traditional methods of creating, beauty of simple organic lines translated in metal.”

Thoughts on process: “I don't cast components in my work. I prefer to hand build each piece so it is different and unique. I also hand engrave. There are very few traditional hand engravers around … it's a process that takes years to master, and most people use a "power graver." I still prefer to use the old method.”

Personal relationship to her work: “The organic nature of my jewelry is greatly inspired by my husband who helped me on my journey to find an outlet for my passions to create something lasting in metal that required dedicated training, skill, and experience.”

Thoughts on sharing art: “It’s something for future generations to look back at, to understand our trials and help them with theirs. It’s something for current generations to remember, memorialize, and find comfort in. And something pretty to look at that inspires you or makes you just feel good!”

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