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My story is probably the same as it is for most artists- I was practically born with a crayon in my hand! As a child I also loved exploring and unfortunately for my parents- experimenting! I also have a passion for helping those in need- and have always been looking for ways to use my love of art and making things- to accomplish that end.

All these things lead me to art school, working freelance, teaching, volunteering, and
eventually- to moving to Quito, Ecuador with a mission organization. Starting in 2011, I spent the next five years teaching arts and crafting to local women and kids, as well as rescued girls, and former street boys. I also traveled constantly to the small Amazon city of Puyo and the Quichua communities in the Andes outside the city of Rio Bamba, where I painted murals and taught knitting, crochet, and beading to the women.

Due to the unavailability of many resources and trying to meet the needs and requests of my students, I was constantly having to learn new methods and search out affordable materials (often recycling what would have been trash!) and in the process became inspired myself and started making my own jewelry- among many, many other things, incorporating various styles and techniques as I picked them up in order to pass them on.

After finally returning to the States I decided to try my hand at selling my work- and thus- StellarDrift was born! The name was inspired by my obvious love of Astronomy and the beauty of our ever-changing, drifting- tiny- but also- great-big-world.

To see more of my work (including but also besides jewelry) or to learn more about what I do- check out my website!

www.rsimkostudio.com

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