Inspired by my own need to express myself and connect deeply with people I originated my metal art business nearly 20 years ago. At the time I was firefighting in Tucson, AZ and it was thru this profession that I found my passion for fire, its remarkable beauty and power. I began a personal journey by torching meaningful symbols and language gathered from a variety of cultures, creating a meaningful product line. After years of careful refinement, my product line is now seasoned.
I have always been passionate about art and creating. Seeing promise, my high school teacher urged me to enroll in art school. Like so many, I never believed there was a future for me in art; so I veered in the opposite direction. Yearning to escape to the West, I left my home town in Virginia, and headed for college in the great Rocky Mountains. I graduated with degrees in Spanish and International Relations and went on to pursue careers of law enforcement, firefighting, real estate and teaching Spanish for Law Enforcement. In a nutshell, these experiences looped me back to my youthful connection with art and people.
I design all products using the hand torch which was my primary way of cutting until 2008, when I was forced to become more sustainable and eliminate airborne metal in the studio. All metal is reclaimed (mostly sheet metal and steel cans). My metal is cut with a water jet (a machine that pushes high pressure water mixed with garnet) and then powder-coated with my special formulated colors and assembled into its purpose. For years I hand-painted each piece and now with powder-coating, I am able to support a chemical free environment for me and my employees.
My product line is very simple, bold, colorful, and expressive. I especially love the affirmation chimes and flags which ring positive messages into the environment. Beads and bells are selected from Sustainable Cooperatives in India and Indonesia where I have a long relationship with these ethical and family run businesses.
Thanks to all of you for your continual support and encouragement as Jendala grows!