My respect for the sea and its power was gained the hard way. A bit too much bravado on a remote island in Turks and Caicos gifted me a nice scar, and a love of marine life took me on a zodiac in Hawaii in inclement weather.  The raw beauty, the power and ever changing colours of the ocean in time and in space are fascinating. So is the shear incomprehension of how man can navigate small crafts, or stand on a surf board and conquer the waves… sometimes.  I love, fear and respect the sea and celebrate its power with this collection. The collection was developed in Firenze and completed in Montreal.

I designed this geometric and minimalist collection more than 4 years ago. The designs are both bold and simple which is why I have worn one of the collection’s rings virtually every day since I made it. I decided to experiment with square as well as round tubing and found that different sized hands called for different sized tubes. This ensures comfortable wear everyday. The size of the tube also makes it appropriate for both men and women’s rings. One idea led to another and birthed a variety of rings, a collection of earrings and bracelets. When I named the collection I was thinking of the old expression ‘Totally Tubular’ which was a slang expression meaning ‘cool’.

This collection celebrates the geometry and symmetry of architecture. Totally Tubular!

My favourite building in Rome is the Pantheon. It is almost 2,000 years old, and its main feature is a domed roof with an oculus.  The dome is an architectural wonder, the inside of the dome is magnificent with its geometric shapes but the oculus is purely fascinating. It lets in light as well as rain. It was symbolic of perfection, eternity and heaven.  Every time I went to Rome it drew me in.  Last time, when I spent 2 months there, the Pantheon was a weekly visit. I just feel joyful and serene all at once under the oculus.  This collection celebrates this dome: a simple shape but strong, harmonious, inviting and elegant in its beauty with just a hint of mystery.

Since I was a little girl, I enjoyed walking in the forest. It has always given me a sense of serenity, and oddly, security.  Growing up in Ottawa there were many forests to choose from and mushroom picking was part of family fun. I always returned with rocks and pieces of wood.  Some things you just do not grow out of! The pieces of wood that were used were harvested from the ground, cast into precious metals so they can live-on, transformed in unexpected ways and worn with the love we hold for nature.

This collection celebrates the forest, its treasures, its constant renewal of decay and rebirth. A natural cycle found everywhere around our planet.

Although a deep sea creature inspired this collection, it was also the the Dune remake and watching sci-fi and fantasy during the pandemic . All this restraint and constraint must have influenced my desire for a little more theatrical pieces. Even more exuberant than usual! I am creating a pièce de résistance to this collection, a one-of-a-kind bracelet, which will be even more theatrical but it could take me another few months to complete!

In a serene moment, I was playing with heat, metal and organic shapes. No plan, no drawing, no rules, no deadline. Just like meandering in your mind but with your hands.  I liked one shape then two together, and the simplicity of the line was soothing. A collection was born.

Between our strict lockdowns I seized the opportunity to learn enamelling and cloisonné. It brought an explosion of colour into my life and opened the door to many more joyful possibilities!