Nancy  has a B.S. from State University of New York at New Paltz with graduate studies in Silversmithing and Jewelry under Kurt J. Matzdorf.

As a silversmith and jeweler her primary medium is sterling silver.  Nancy received a classical metals education which included many traditional techniques such as piercing, raising, soldering, casting, fusing, forging, chaising, repousse, reticulation, keumboo, stone setting and metal finishing, all of which are incorporated in her pieces in various combinations.  Nancy enjoys using precious stones and pearls as well as rocks she has found on the beaches along the Atlantic coast.  The keumboo technique introduces the use of 24K. gold into some pieces

Nancy works alone.  All of Nancy's pieces are produced by her in her studio with the exception of the cast pieces.  For casting she carves the wax models individually and then has the lost wax castings done at a foundry in New York City.  The metal pieces are returned to her for finishing, sizing and stone settings.

Many of Nancy's favorite techniques involve hammering, either over metal stakes (embossing, forging, chaising) or on metal suspended in a bowl of pitch (repousse).  For this purpose she utilizes a number of different shaped stakes and hammers.  Perhaps the most exciting techniques are those which involve heat, such as soldering, fusing and reticulation.  This requires the use of an acetylene gas torch to heat the metal and an acid pickle bath to cleanse the metal after each heat cycle.  Of course the grand finale for each piece is the polishing process that removes all the marks, scratches, and discolorations acquired during creation and gives the silver its lovely warm finish.  It's a very dirty, messy job involving the use of buffing machines.  Great care must be taken to avoid injury to yourself and the jewelry, but without this final step all the previous work would have been for nothing.

Nancy choose to work in sliver for several reasons.  First, she enjoys manipulating the metal.  It is resistant enough to give lots of time to think while you create yet malleable enough to respond to her ideas.  Second, the field of silversmithing is complex.  There are always new methods to learn and new products to try.  It is a field which stretches your mind and creativity.  Third, there are enough repetitive processes to occupy your hands at times when your mind needs to relax and daydream.

Nancy's designs reflect two sides of her creative personality.  One group is highly organized with geometric elements and reflects her love of order.  The second group is very organic and reflects her love of nature and gardening.  Frequently these overlap in the same pieces, as in a geometric earring with an organic texture.  In each case Nancy's goal is to produce an item which is both beautiful an functional, that will enhance the life of its owner.

Sterling Silver
"Leaf Necklace"

Sterling Silver and Agate
"Treescape Neckpiece"

Sterling Silver and Agate
"Treescape Neckpiece"

Sterling Silver
"Bracelet"

Sterling Silver and Jasper
"Merpeople Choaker"

Sterling Silver
"Fringe Earrings"

14K Gold, Manmade Garnet
"Ram Ring"

S/S, Moonstone, 5 Garnets,
Tourmaline
"Crab Necklace"

Sterling Silver
"Chain Necklace and Bracelet"

S/S, Abalone and Pearls
"Dragon Biting It's Tail"

S/S, Abalone and Pearls
"Dragon Biting It's Tail"
Side View

14K Gold, Apache Tear
"Ring"

S/S, Rhodocrosite
"Rodocrosite Earrings"

14K Gold, Peach Moonstone
"Ring"

Sterling Silver, Turquoise
"Blue Skies Smiling At Me"

Sterling Silver
"Phoenix Neckpiece"

Sterling Silver
"Phoenix Neckpiece"

14K Gold, Peach Moonstone
"Ring"

S/S, Natural Peach Moonstone
"Earrings"

Sterling Silver, Amethyst
"Bracelet"

Sterling Silver, Jade
"Earrings"

S/S, Amber and Black Pearl
"Necklace"

 

14K Gold, Faceted Apache Tear
"Ring"

S/S, 14K Gold,
North Atlantic Beach Stone
"Sea Debris"

Sterling Silver
"Leaf Pin"