How did you start making jewelry?
I started making jewelry while taking my first jewelry/metals class in 1994. At that time I was majoring in Mechanical Engineering at SUNYBuffalo. I later developed my metals skills in Product Design at Parsons School of Design. Through years as an architectural modelmaker I learned new techniques and materials, and honed the precision of my designs.

What piqued your interest in origami?
At about age 5, my mother (an elementary school art teacher in Brooklyn) brought home an origami book from her school’s library. I started learning those folds every once in a while. I cant recall the exact circumstances, but I remember in 4th grade (age 9) I had to get up in front of the class and teach an origami lesson. I taught them all how to make the “water bomb”, a fairly easy traditional fold.

Can you explain the significance of cranes and lilies in origami?
According to what I’ve read and heard, the origami crane is a traditional symbol of honor, loyalty, and peace. The significance and mystique of the origami crane was further enhanced by Eleanor Coerr’s 1977 novel ‘Sadako and the Thousand Paper Cranes’. As for the lily…I just think it’s a beautiful origami fold :)

What are the designs depicted on the handmade boxes that go with the jewels?
A few years ago, intrigued by the geometry of origami, I started to draw the crease patterns that create various origami models. I found that if I repeated them and varied their orientation, some beautiful patterns would emerge. I use a laser to engrave these patterns into the mahogany boxes that I make for each piece.

Where are you living? Does your neighborhood influence your work and if so in what way?
I live in Manhattan and work out of my studio in Brooklyn. My neighborhoods don’t particularly influence my work, however I have one jewelry line based on NYC Subway cars, specifically the L train which I take to and from my studio each day.

Name some of your favorite things or places right now.
Hmmm, tough one. I love meeting people in the jewelry design world…other designers, boutique owners/employees, and especially customers. Its so great to see the expressions on peoples faces when they see my work and recognize the symbolism, craftsmanship, and design.