Resilience Collection

A common spring visitor where we live, the dragonfly has been earthbound for over 300 million years and symbolizes the ability to rise above times of hardship. They are often utilized as a reminder to reconnect with our inner strength, courage, and happiness.

When we first moved to Maryland almost 4 years ago, I remember carrying a box up our front steps and seeing my first glimpse of a native dragonfly dancing amongst the flowers. The original owners meticulously landscaped, and it was such a joy to see what planting the right seeds with careful caretaking overtime could produce. An abundance of nurtured nature had brought us all kinds of creatures to delight and learn about- from brood X to assassin bugs, to the incomparable praying mantis… and even multitudes of stink bugs (which are all lovingly called “Harold” in our house.)


After the holidays (and a bit of an unscheduled break), I began thinking about our experiences with these creatures and the cyclical nature of living and moving through challenging times. I connected with a friend and found the word “resilience” to be remarkably significant for how I’ve been feeling and what seems to be permeating in many of our lives currently. A reminder that strength and community - or becoming deeply connected with our natural environment - can help us stay grounded and focused, even when it may feel futile. That there is a common thread that unites us and humanizes us as beings, and it is our job to nurture and look after each other.


To honor these thoughts, I’ve been honing my craft and devoting time to a lot of hand-sawn work, which acts as a moving meditation of sorts. These pieces have been pierced (drilled) tens to over a hundred times, then each hole meticulously cut out into shape with a tiny jewelers saw blade. Each stone has been hand selected and carefully composed in each piece; all materials have been ethically and sustainably sourced. Although I envision making more of these over time, this first collection will be a limited number of pieces with the intention rooted in the protection of peace and strength to persevere.