I am excited by the act of creating and the process of transforming an idea into something tangible. Whether I’m writing a new song, community organizing, developing an educational workshop, or making a new ring; I feel energized by creativity in all its forms.
In 2015, I turned my focus to making and designing jewelry, through the craft of metalsmithing. I love the balance between expressing myself creatively through design and fashion; and utilizing the specialized technical skills and knowledge essential to working with metal.
I work primarily with recycled gold and sterling silver. Taking metal, a seemingly rigid material, and manipulating it into a form of my choosing is deeply satisfying. I am also fascinated by the historical context of jewelry, and its use as amulets, talismans and other sacred objects. What drives us as humans to adorn our bodies with shiny metal and stones that we find in the earth? Something about it feels sacred, connects me to my ancestors, and calls me to create.
The thing that brings me the most satisfaction right now is working with clients to create meaningful, one-of-a-kind, custom jewelry and accessories that they can cherish for a lifetime. Incorporating or re-imagining symbols and patterns that honour my client’s cultural heritage is of special importance to me; as is working with heirloom gold and gemstones. I have the ability to recycle the gold you provide me to create a new piece of jewelry you can treasure.
As a transgender designer, I rarely design with one specific gender in mind. I see gender not as a binary but as a spectrum of possibilities and believe that our individual expressions of gender are unique, diverse, and powerful. Designing from this perspective results in a wide variety of jewelry designs that can be worn by many different types of people, regardless of gender.
In my work you will find elements of the sea and sky, medicinal plants, human anatomy, and symbols from my Filipino heritage. In my most recent jewelry line, I am exploring the elements of line and shape by contrasting bold, fold-formed lines with brightly cut scalloped edges, resulting in a variety of angular, fan-like shapes, with an art deco flair; some reminiscent of tiny dragon wings, or the ribbed fins of a fish.
My approach to metalsmithing and the techniques I use are largely informed by my disability. As someone who lives with chronic pain, time and energy for my craft is limited, so I’m always looking for ways to adapt tools and streamline my process to make it as accessible as possible.
Upon completion of my training at Kootenay Studio Arts I am continuing to build new skills as an apprentice to award-winning goldsmith, Paul Durkin, while offering custom jewelry designs with options for recycled metal and reclaimed vintage gemstones.
I am also looking forward to exploring more conceptual work through art jewelry and small object design. In 2022, I received a grant through Canada Council for the Arts to support me in developing a narrative body of work, exploring my Filipino heritage, including the rich history and ancient craft of Filipino goldsmithing. I’m also examining pre-colonial worldviews and symbology, as well as, the researching the history of colonization and indigenous resistance in the Philippines.
When I’m not working at my bench, you’ll most likely find me at home washing dishes to podcasts, playing pop covers on my acoustic guitar, or at the park with spunky little dog-kid, Bruno.