The Fossils and "Cultural Relics" Series begins with my fascination of multi-million year old fossils, relics of specific cultures, and/or the architecture, patterning, and feel of ancient civilizations. These pieces usually begin with my making a two-dimensional drawing or a three-dimensional paper structure to determine the actual form of the piece.  Fossils, stones, relics and patterned metal (usually sterling etched with my own designs) are added. Appropriate shapes are cut from patterned and plain sterling sheets, manipulated, and soldered in place. Often the pieces are finished using patinas to emphasize pattern, texture, and depth. Frequently, the completed work comes out feeling like a small artifact and, at times, blurs the difference between small sculpture and jewelry.