I was born and raised in the vast Arizona desert but my passion for travel led me to many extraordinary places around the world. I have been fortunate to see and examine different representations of beauty and adornment and my appreciation for art deepens with each experience. I studied Art History and Fine Arts in Paris for 4 years of university. I trained as a painter initially,
but soon afterI discovered my love for making jewelry while living in New Zealand and apprenticing under a local bone-carver and inlay designer. I eventually went on to Thailand, where I learned my skills as a metalsmith.
My adventures have brought me full circle, back to my home in Arizona, where Tina Bark Designs was created. Each piece of jewelry is individually designed and hand-crafted in my home studio.My journey shifted from being a world traveller to a working artist with a husband and two beautiful children. Although my life has changed, my inspiration remains the same and I celebrate each day with gratitude for all that I have learned and continue to learn, both as an artist and as a mother.
I draw my inspiration from nature, from the many countries and cultures that I have seen and experienced, and from my experiences as a woman navigating through this world. I have learned that there are many depictions and interpretations of beauty and they should all be celebrated and revered.
Tina Bark Designs jewelry was designed and created in the desert with the modern woman in mind. I believe that jewelry is not only wearable art but it is also a woman's expression of who she is and who she wants to be.
"Jewelry is a very personal thing... it should tell a story about the person who's wearing it" - Garance Dore