Artist Statement

Ms. Dolan was raised in Tucson, Arizona and moved to San Diego after earning her BS in Education at Northern Arizona University. She began working in metals in 1990. She received art education from classes and workshops at Revere Academy, Haystack Mountain School of Art, and privately from several gifted metalsmiths. Her work has sold in galleries across the country since 1992. In 1997 she became a Graduate Gemologist from the Gemological Institute of America. She lives with her husband, Mike, on a ranch in the hills east of San Diego.

"Many things inspire my work: nature of course, leaves, curled dried mud, insects, and sometimes just the juxtaposition of sticks and rocks. Often it is just the thrill of the materials themselves: the color and feel of fine gold and silver, or the shape and luster of a pearl. These excite and inspire my work. The world offers such incredible beauty. Gemstones and pearls have the lasting charm of a flower or a colorful sunset. Having grown up in the southwest, folk-art images of Mexico and America also influence many pieces: for example, the flaming heart, and the fanciful skeletons of the Dia De Los Muertos. What I like to achieve is a piece of jewelry that is both precious and warms the heart."