While working as a field biologist in Tanzania, Gwen was often drawn into the gem shops of Africa. The sparkly jewels were a stark contrast to the dusty streets outside. After having purchased some of these stones, she returned home to find she couldn’t afford to have them set, so she enrolled in a class at a local college determined to learn how to do this herself. And so began a rather circuitous journey into the world of silversmithing.
That first class opened the doors to a craft of seemingly endless possibilities, not only of techniques but of design. It is the exploration of these possibilities that inspires her and feeds a curiosity that continues to push the boundaries of her knowledge and skill.
Over the years, Gwen has had the good fortune to have been taught by some very generous teachers, and she is excited to share this knowledge with her students.