Betty Helen Longhi showed me that metal could be more than hard, flat, and structural—it could feel organic, fluid, and alive. Her approach to forming helped shape the way I explored anatomy and natural forms in my own work, while her philosophy of teaching process rather than product continues to influence the mentor I am today.

Cynthia Eid taught me that metalsmithing is as much about curiosity and problem-solving as it is technique. From her innovative approaches to forming metal to her generosity in sharing knowledge, her work encouraged me to keep asking, “What if there’s another way?” Meeting her at the SNAG conference made that influence even more meaningful.