I have been a bench jeweler, with an on-going love affair with my torch, for nearly 30 years. My specialty and inspired interest, is in the fusion of metals. Manipulation of metals, just as I suppose it to be for most all metal artists, is akin to, and as necessary to life...as breathing itself is for me. All of the stone-setting into my one-of-a-kind designs, is done by my husband, and partner: Bruce Swank. I am of Mohawk heritage which also takes me into the realm of Native American jewelry techniques as well. At this point, now...for the most part, I am completing and finishing out the work of my father: Marion Van Slyke, an acclaimed master of Native American jewelry artistry...and my jewelry partner for many years... who has passed on. My father and I always worked on these pieces together; now, however, with his passing... I feel a great need to get his work completed... so that his heart and soul truly lives on - in peace and celebration... through the enjoyment and pleasure of others. Walk with Beauty, Anita