For me, being a goldsmith is about connecting with our earliest origins. The stones, metals and minerals I work with derive from the geological birth of our planet. In transforming these materials into jewellery my hope is that their owners will reflect on the grander scheme of the world we inhabit.

I find my motifs and my materials in nature. Insects and their adaptability fascinate me and inspire ideas for jewellery designs in my sketchbook. After that, I get a thrill from physical contact with the natural materials. Because it is the interplay of the metals and stones that has to succeed for the design to come to life.

I work the materials using state-of-the-art and ancient techniques. I never render the motifs realistically but as interpretations of inner moods. This is how I retain the tension from the worked metal and the play of colour in the finished jewellery to breathe life into my fantasy insects with human-like character traits.

With my insect jewellery designs I seek to confront the notion that endangered species should be cute and that jewellery should be practical and conventionally refined. I aim for my designs to thrill, tease and pique the wearer and beholder.