NF2, The Strength You Don't See

Welcome to a part of my studio that is very close to my heart. Ash and Earth Studio LLC is more than just jewelry and art—it is a space of healing, resilience, and intentionality. My journey with NF2 is woven into the very fabric of how I create.

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🌲 The Invisible Struggle

Living with Neurofibromatosis Type 2 (NF2) is a journey of invisible contradictions. It is a daily practice of navigating tinnitus, fatigue, and the physical reality of a chronic condition, all while trying to move forward with grace. Right now, that daily practice means balancing active recovery from a major Gamma-knife radiosurgery procedure on June 25th alongside ongoing chemotherapy treatments. Often, this strength is not seen because it is spent on simply balancing the scales of a normal day. However, in those quiet, challenging moments, the studio becomes my sanctuary.

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🔨 The Creative Catalyst & Sanctuary

I don't create in spite of my chronic illness; I create because of it. When the internal noise and physical pressure of NF2 become overwhelming, the workbench is where I go to find my grounding. There is a profound, meditative stillness required to hand-forge copper, to polish an agate, or to weave an intricate necklace holder. That same focus flows into my drawings and paintings, where capturing the quiet dignity of a wild animal or watching a chickadee land on my hand teaches me exactly how to stay anchored in the present moment.

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⚡ Art as Transmutation

When you hold a piece from Ash and Earth Studio LLC, you are holding a piece of that journey. My art is how I transmute the weight of my medical reality into something tangible, balanced, and beautiful. The physical tension I navigate is mirrored in the high-tension wire and metal I shape with my own hands; as I work to find harmony in the copper, I am working to find harmony within myself. Whether it’s a piece tuned to a sacred frequency or a painting inspired by the quiet resilience of the Northwoods, every creation is an anchor.

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🖤 My Mission & Advocacy

My work is dedicated to raising awareness for NF2, honoring the many who fight their own profound battles in silence. This diagnosis has given my studio its truest purpose: to serve as a living reminder for all of us to slow down, live more simply, and deeply appreciate the healing spaces nature has to offer. By supporting Ash and Earth Studio LLC, you aren't just buying jewelry or art; you are supporting a solo, disabled artist who pours resilience, perspective, and deep intention into every single piece.

 

Thank you for walking this road with me, one step at a time.