“I’ve taken a short break from my usual quantities of Champleve pieces this year, only making a handful of them to dial in more on production work, teaching, my job and my newfound love of backpacking. Doing this has felt hard, as oftentimes I make work because I have an idea I feel the need to execute and see through to completion. This piece was made after this long pause of enjoying the summer, traveling, teaching and learning. Oftentimes I put too much pressure on myself to make work, to continue making work even when I don’t want to or am nearly too busy. I’ve been wanting to make pieces more for myself and lately what means is focusing on themes of the outdoors, specifically fishing. 90% of my free time outside of work and my studio is spent on a lake, river or pond. Fishing has become so integral to my own mental health that I’ve wanted to carry these visuals over into the pieces I make. At first I was worried about changing the scope of the type of pieces I usually make. Luckily I still love making belt buckles, though moving to the Northeast I’ve found that I wanted to adapt my work with this change. It’s been a long time coming, though I’m glad I’ve taken this time to dive deep and reflect on what I want to be making. Living up in Maine is especially magical for so many reasons. Something I’m coming to appreciate is the seasonal nature of a place where winter looms even in early October. Summers are for being outside, living and enjoying life. Winter is for making work. This dynamic is something I’ve struggled with for some time as a person who yearns to hike, camp, backpack, fish and hunt. My practice this year has taught me to take breaks, to enjoy life and being outside. That way when winter comes I’ll have the inspiration on hand to begin making again.”