Materials: Copper sheet, enamel, silver wire, etching acid

Statement: As an illustrator I’m inspired by fine lines, smooth color combinations, and symmetry. Etching gave me the perfect opportunity to implement those three elements into a wearable, functional, and cute jewelry set. Beyond the obvious symmetry in my design, there is duality and balance between birds and fish. Not only do they rule the “top” (sky) and “bottom” (sea) of the natural world, but they often meet at the surface of the water, where birds either prey on fish or live there on a daily basis, such as ducks, egrets, or swans. I was also inspired by birds' ability to migrate– much like humans, birds can travel from continent to continent, adapting, hunting, and surviving along the way. Fish are ancient creatures and are magical in their own way. Growing up in Northern California, fish and birds were a large part of my education, from visiting raptor centers to salmon hatcheries. I did not choose a specific fish or bird species for inspiration, but instead let my intuition guide the sketching and design processes. Each piece sat in the etching bath for three hours and had wet-packed, opaque enamels over the surface.