Growing up in the heart of Appalachia, surrounded by the rolling hills and lush forests, nature was more than just scenery—it was a part of my soul. Every day, I was immersed in the quiet strength of the mountains, the whisper of the wind through the trees, and the sparkle of streams winding their way through the landscape. These experiences have deeply influenced my journey as an artist, especially in the creation of nature-inspired art and jewelry.
Take Me Home, Country Roads
Growing up in the heart of Appalachia, surrounded by rolling hills and dense forests, nature was never just scenery. It was a constant presence, something lived with rather than observed from a distance. The quiet strength of the mountains, the wind moving through the trees, and the shimmer of water cutting through stone shaped the way I see the world and the way I create.
Appalachia is a place defined by change and rhythm. Spring brings trillium and dogwood pushing through the forest floor. Summer settles in with deep green canopies and the steady hum of insects. Autumn, my favorite season, sets the mountains on fire with reds, oranges, and golds. Winter strips everything back, revealing the bones of the land and a stark, honest beauty beneath it all.
In the small, quiet moments, admiring a perfect leaf, watching a bird take flight, feeling smooth stones beneath a stream, inspiration finds me. Nature has its own language, and my work is an attempt to translate that language into metal. Each piece begins with observation and respect for the natural world and its details.
My collections draw directly from this landscape. The curves of leaves, the textures of bark, the movement of wings, and the flow of water all make their way into my designs. This work is not just about decoration. It is about storytelling, connection, and honoring the relationship between humans and the natural world.
Beauty in the misunderstood
The name Ravena Metalworks comes from my long fascination with crows. Crows are often misunderstood, reduced to symbols of darkness or bad omens, but they are among the most intelligent, adaptable, and resourceful creatures in nature. They are observers, problem solvers, and survivors. That contrast, beauty paired with misunderstanding, intelligence hidden beneath fear, resonates deeply with me and with my work.
I am drawn to the overlooked and the misjudged, the things that carry quiet power rather than obvious shine. Crows embody that idea perfectly, and they serve as both inspiration and reminder throughout my creative process.
Nature inspired metalwork is timeless because nature itself does not chase trends. A silver leaf pendant, a vine shaped ring, or a sculptural form that echoes flowing water carries a sense of calm and continuity. These pieces are meant to be worn, lived with, and connected to, not just admired.
Appalachia taught me to notice small details, to respect cycles of growth and decay, and to understand that simplicity can hold great meaning. Those lessons are present in every piece I make.
When you wear or own a piece from Ravena Metalworks, it is more than an object. It carries my memories, my landscape, and the quiet strength of the mountains that will always be home.
