Makayla Gunderson

Makayla Gunderson is no stranger to challenges. Though she was born with a rare and potentially fatal blood disorder, she has never let this define her. Instead, she has used these limitations as a way to measure and test herself.

Organized and meticulous would be the best way to describe my work ethic and art form. These two traits match perfectly for my technique of choice, filigree.

Filigree is not meant for everyone, but it's where Makayla shines. Everything she loves in her life and in goldsmithing is synchronized within this delicate art form.

I have always been drawn to more complicated things for the challenge, and so when I was introduced to filigree it brought a lot of my passions together. While making my pieces I treat it almost like a puzzle as the little wires are placed in by hand one by one with a pair of tweezers however they want to fit.

Unfortunately, filigree is a dying art form, since it can't be automated and must be done completely by hand. Through my love for the art, I would like to bring it back and help people understand its complexities and beauty.