about the research -

I have co-authored research for the Antique Purse Collectors Society with Paula Higgins, a writer, collector and currently vice president of the society

Our  research his included  Leon Bakst and his influence on color theory, Persian textiles and embroidery, India embroidery and history, and Chinese influences and Orientalism . These are published with illustration photos on the website of the ANTIQUE PURSE COLLECTORS SOCIETY.

My solo research has taken me to Paris, France in 1909-1924 in an effort to see if I can identify some of the unlabeled embroidered bags in my collection.

It has been a fascinating journey, 

During that process, I have better understanding of how own past has helped evaluate these bags.

For many years I designed and exhibited  jewelry and wearable art. I used diverse metals ( gold fine silver, brass, titanium, and niobium) and went antiquing to find unusual objects.  In 1998 with my husband, we opened an a gallery featuring contemporary American Craft

(Details & Green Shoelaces)

 I see objects before ever knowing who made them. I look at design and craftsmanship, and how well they perform their function.

it is with this experience that I look at purses!