My Story
My Start
My journey started at 16 years old. In high school, I had the opportunity to learn metalsmithing techniques. I was lucky to have an art teacher who taught the principles of working with metal, and also had the ability to cast wax for us at home. I only now realize the rarity of this opportunity, especially for a public school. I loved what I learned so much, that I continued classes in AP 3D Art the next year. Below are a few pieces I created back then.
Flower Ring
2009- I created this ring in high school using lost wax casting techniques. I created the flower by carving and layering sheet wax, then I created the band by laying punched out pieces of sheet wax together. I have always been inspired by the natural world around me.
Pumpkin Pendant
2009- I created this pendant in high school to look like a pumpkin on a vine using sheet and wire wax.
Art Hiatus
After high school, I went on to obtain a bachelors degree in chemistry, and worked in various labs and manufacturing facilities across Florida. I worked with a diverse set of industries. From food testing, to paper research and development, and others in between. Although it was rewarding in many ways, after 8 years I found my creative side was calling me again.
Chemistry Days
2020- Here I am in front of an Agilent GC-MS. This is a video still from an education piece I was creating a for a local science center. These analytical systems are used to tell scientists what something is made up of, and how much of that stuff might be found in the sample.
New Beginnings
In early 2022, I decided I needed to make a career shift and jumped back into schooling- this time for jewelry design. After 6 months of education at the American School of Jewelry, I created my studio and launched Katrina Leah LLC. Just like I was in high school, I am still inspired by nature every day. Now, my chemistry background leads me to analyze the world around me in a new light. Combining those two drives together helps me create unique and elegant pieces with my own style.
I hope you will join me on my journey as a grow.
