The Unique Circumstances That Forged a Jeweler

IMGBAT is a black-owned jewelry, art and laser engraving business with products available at public events and online. I am the owner and artist. I am a metalsmith that works in most metals including silver, gold, copper and brass. I forge, weld, wire wrap, etch, hand and laser engrave and cast pieces; often in combination. 90% of my pieces are one of a kind. Each piece has its own unique name and origin story, written and illustrated on laser-engraved metal cards that accompany the piece. These stories often include social commentary.

I recently added laser engraving to the services I provide and can engrave virtually anything including jewelry, watches, leather items, metal parts, knives, tumblers and the list goes on. In 2024, I added permanent jewelry to my offerings.

I have lived across the country and worked a wide array of jobs from coal miner to journalist. I’ve also traveled extensively around the world. These experiences have allowed me to observe and soak in many cultures, which inform and influence my work.

I am looking to ever increase and expand my skills repertoire so that I can combine jewelry creation methods in new and unusual ways. Being an avid lover of different cultures, I like to incorporate them into my work. I also like sci-fi, fantasy and futurism. These themes are constantly woven into my style along with ancient mythology.

Where it all began

My process began just as Covid 19 hit. I had the idea I would start a shop to create and weld large abstract and functional items (chairs, sculptures, etc). I had a background in coal mining and machining years ago which gave me a host of metal-working skills. Winter hit before I could build the kind of ventilation system that was safe, which meant knocking out a window or wall in my garage. I was itching to make things at this point, so I went smaller. I began with clay sculpting and, by chance, started working with resin. I made a silicone mold and made my first (ugly) ring. Then some pendants (less ugly). A new passion was born. I realized I could combine my sculpting, metal working, welding, graphic design, and drawing skills in making jewelry! But…. Covid. This gave me loads of time to read, study, practice and make. I came roaring out of the pandemic. Well, sort of. My heart was roaring, but I had much to learn to find my niche and follow MY vision for the business.