My jewelry is primarily influenced by architecture and nature. I am drawn to the geometrics and engineering of imagery ranging from flying buttresses to trumpet flowers. I incorporate these interests in the systematic creations of my designs. To get the clean crisp lines that reference the lower relief of architecture, I work directly in the metal using fabrication. Hand carving wax models allows me to three dimensionally capture organic elements of nature. I take pride in my craftsmanship and I think outside the box when creating custom design pieces. I started taking Metalsmithing classes at Wauwatosa East High and went on to UW-Whitewater, where I received a Bachelor’s of Fine Arts degree specializing in Metalsmithing. I then attended UW-Milwaukee and graduated with a Master’s of Fine Arts degree specializing in Metalsmithing.

— Terese Millmann