Welcome to GaleForce Design Jewelry
It began with a love for wild places and a need to work with my hands. I’m Gale, the artist behind GaleForce Design Jewelry. I create copper jewelry that speaks to the soul. Each piece is made for those who walk their own path and stay true to themselves.
A Life of Creativity and Curiosity
My journey into art started early. Some of my first memories are of drawing. When I was just four years old, I entered a drawing contest at the county 4-H fair. I won $100 and a blue ribbon for my drawing of a black dog—my favorite part of the fair. Not the rides or the cotton candy. It was the animals that drew me in. I like to joke that was my first paying gig!
I grew up exploring the woods and lake on our countryside property. Frogs, turtles, dragonflies, and butterflies were like friends to me. That deep connection to nature has stayed with me and still shapes my designs today.
A Non-Traditional Path
Before I found metalsmithing, I spent six fire seasons as a Wildland Firefighter. I started on an Engine Crew in Minnesota. Then, I joined a Helitack Crew in Colorado where we rappelled out of helicopters to reach remote wildfires.
During one off-season, I became certified as an Emergency Medical Technician (EMT). The next season, I returned as the crew’s dedicated EMT. Over time, I earned several certifications, including Helicopter Crewmember, Firefighter Type 1, and Incident Commander Type 5.
Those years weren’t typical for someone heading into the arts. But they taught me resilience, adaptability, and a deep respect for the raw, untamed world. That same spirit shows up in the art that I create today.
The Shift to Design and Metalsmithing
After leaving fire, I joined a retail company that supported the fire community. I began in customer service and eventually moved into graphic design. Over time, I became the Graphic Design Manager.
That experience sharpened my eye for detail and helped me develop the visual language I now bring to my jewelry. It was also during that period that I began making jewelry. What started as a creative outlet after hours quickly grew into something more. For three years, my evenings were dedicated to creating jewelry that gradually gained recognition in art shows, galleries, and gift shops.
Committing to the Jewelry Path
In 2017, I took the leap to make jewelry full-time. That shift allowed me to focus completely on crafting jewelry that reflects the strength and beauty I find in the outdoors.
I want my work to feel real and grounded. I make it for those who don’t want to blend in, who appreciate organic design and find beauty in the imperfect.
Interviews
- For more on how my path and passion led to GaleForce Design Jewelry, read the Shoutout Colorado interview.
- Explore the inspiration and challenges behind GaleForce Design Jewelry in my CanvasRebel interview.
- Learn more about what drives my work in this Bold Journey interview.
- To hear how I built GaleForce Design Jewelry as a one-woman business, read the VoyageDenver interview.
Fun Facts About the Artist
- Once featured in Cosmopolitan Magazine as a “Fun, Fearless, Female” for wildland firefighting work (photos below).
- An enthusiast of all things pirate, bacon, and cotton candy (order of preference depends on the day).
- As a passionate rockhound, I absolutely geek out over rocks and am proud to be part of the Fort Collins Rockhound club.
- Once wore the Smokey Bear costume for presentations to school kids, resulting in an amusing pants-pulling incident! 🤣
- Held the title of homecoming queen. 👑
- Originally from Minnesota, with fond memories of growing up by a lake and a future aspiration to live by one again!
- Wholeheartedly cherish my loving feline companion, Pearl – the notorious Black Pearl the Pirate Cat.
