ABOUT the artisan

Hi there, I'm Ian - the face behind Cloud peak Studio. I didn’t come to lapidary through the usual path. My first life was in music — I studied composition in DC and Boston, earned a master’s degree, and spent time writing and performing. Eventually I needed a different kind of rhythm in my life, and the mountains started calling louder than the cities. I moved to Wyoming in 2003 to build a life closer to mountains, Snowy Winters, and wild places.

 

Early on in my time in Jackson, I worked with at-risk teens in a wilderness program, then went back to school and became a nurse. I spent years working in The  emergency department and a ski trauma clinic, and since 2012 I’ve also served on the Jackson Hole Ski Patrol. Those roles taught me calm focus, compassion, empathy, and attention to detail under pressure.

 

My introduction to lapidary came through my partner, Jill, who is a silversmith (Fox and Lupine Jewelry). I watched her search for stones and set them into metal, making them come alive in the process. slowly I was pulled into the world of turquoise, gemstones, and markets. I started learning about mines, patterns, hardness, depth of color, matrix —  I was hooked! eventually I started cutting stones for her, then other local silversmiths, then makers I would meet at markets... You see where this is going. What began as helping in her business gradually branched into Cloud Peak Studio, and I could not be more excited to be living this life - surrounded by Beautiful stones and amazing creatives. It's a dream come true.

 

I’m a bit of an introverted extrovert — I love creative environments, collaboration, and working with people, but I also need quiet time in the mountains and in my studio to recharge. I tend to dive deep into things, sometimes obsessively, and I care about details: shape, balance, surface, and feel in the hand.

 

My goal is simple: to create quality, eye catching pieces that speak to the maker holding them, and help their jewelry stand out. I’m grateful to be part of that process.​

 

Thank you for

stopping by my site, and for shopping small.

—Ian