Once a year or so, I give myself permission to pause production and dive into something completely new. It’s a treat—a creative reset that lets me push past the familiar and explore the unknown. These one-of-a-kind pieces aren’t just about making something different; they’re about rediscovering why I make art in the first place 🎨.

The process usually begins with a spark: a technique I’ve never tried, a material I’ve never mixed, or a concept that’s been quietly simmering in the back of my mind 💡. Sometimes it’s a marriage of opposites—hard and soft, matte and shine, organic and architectural. Other times, it’s a subtle shift in rhythm or form that opens up a whole new direction.

I start with sketches ✏️, then move to experimenting with paper mock-ups before committing to metal. Most of these pieces are made in silver, which gives me the freedom to work larger and explore a wide range of finishes—shiny, satin, oxidized in varying degrees, brushed, or left matte 🪙. Silver has its own quiet richness and versatility, allowing the form and texture to take center stage.

I tend to avoid traditional gemstones 💎, which often become the focal point of a piece. Instead, I’m drawn to nontraditional materials and techniques that let the work speak through its sculptural form, its feeling, and its surface. I want the viewer to experience the piece as a whole—not just admire a single element.

Functionality is just as important ⚙️. Even with a large statement necklace—something you wouldn’t wear to the grocery store—it still needs to be comfortable and durable. I want the piece to feel good on the body and hold up over time, no matter how bold or experimental the design.

These pieces take time ⏳. Months, sometimes years, pass between the first sketch and the final artwork. I revisit ideas in old sketchbooks, test combinations only to find they don’t work or don’t feel right, set them aside, and return much later (sometimes years!) with fresh eyes 👀. It can be frustrating, but I mostly welcome the challenge of problem solving. There’s no rush, no deadline—just the slow unfolding of something honest and unexpected.

Creating one-of-a-kind work reminds me that art is a conversation, not a product 🗣️. It’s where curiosity leads, and where joy lives 💖. And when the piece is finally finished, I know it’s complete. It carries that energy with it—something you can feel, something that can’t be replicated.

This annual ritual keeps my practice alive 🌱. From these singular pieces, smaller production ideas often emerge. It’s a reminder that even in the rhythm of making, there’s always room to dream ☁️.