Have you ever experienced a profound connection with a piece of jewelry, one that seems to echo your very essence? That magical moment when energies align, celebrating authentic beauty in its purest form? Welcome to my world of wearable art, where each piece tells a unique story of transformation, resilience, and natural beauty, crafted with a blend of traditional techniques and rainforest whimsy that is unmistakably Twisted Ginger.

I'm Erin Kandoll, a ginger fairy pyro with a fiery passion for transforming metal into wearable art. My husband and I recently remodeled a 19-foot shipping container into my Ship Shop Studio, perched beside the ocean in Southeast Alaska. Here, whales breach, icebergs float by, and the iconic Devil's Thumb mountain stands sentinel. It's here, amid the raw wilderness of our rainforest, that my creativity flourishes.

A Journey of Artistic Evolution

My artistic soul has always sought expression through various mediums. From the margins of high school notebooks to theater stages, from painting drag queens' faces to studying makeup artistry in Los Angeles – I've always known I was meant to create. But it wasn't until I found my way to this serene Alaskan island that everything clicked into place.

A life-altering event at sea introduced me to silversmithing, which became my solace and passion. What began as therapy, twisting wire on a 105-foot research vessel has evolved into something far beyond my wildest dreams. Now, as the founder and creative visionary of Twisted Ginger Jewelry, I create pieces that connect humans with the powerful energy of stones, especially turquoise.

The Turquoise Connection

My love affair with turquoise began in a small vintage jewelry shop in Brown County, Indiana. As a young girl, I would spend hours mesmerized by the intricate Navajo silverwork, dreaming of one day creating such beauty. The masterful techniques developed by Navajo silversmiths have profoundly influenced the art of working with turquoise, setting standards of excellence that inspire artisans worldwide.

While profoundly respecting these traditions, I've found my own voice in the craft – one that speaks of misty rainforests, dancing aurora lights, and fairy rings hidden in moss-covered logs. My designs weave together the precision of traditional silversmithing with whimsical elements that could only emerge from life in Southeast Alaska's enchanted wilderness. You'll find silver leaves adorned with dew-like textures created through the careful application of silver dust or stones nestled in settings that mimic the way morning frost cradles fallen leaves. Each piece tells its own fairy tale, inspired by the ancient art of silversmithing and the magic surrounding my little shipping container studio.

This fusion of respect for tradition and creative freedom has allowed me to develop a style that's unmistakably Twisted Ginger. Classical techniques meet rainforest whimsy, and every piece carries a touch of earthly grounding and fairy-tale wonder. It's my way of honoring the past while creating something uniquely magical for the future.

Community & Growth

My journey is deeply intertwined with my island community of 3,500 souls. From my first pop-up at our local Oktoberfest in a gym twelve years ago to shows at our local art gallery, where people now line up outside before doors open – this community has been the bedrock of my growth. They've witnessed and supported every evolution of my work, celebrating each new direction while remaining steadfastly loyal.

The Creative Process

Working with stones is an intuitive dance for me. Each piece to my bench arrives purposefully, waiting to find its perfect match. My theater, makeup artistry, and performance background have taught me to see the world through an artist's lens – where a dewdrop on grass becomes inspiration, and morning light filtering through ferns sparks new designs.

I source my stones from trusted lapidaries I've discovered across the globe, building relationships that ensure each gem tells its own authentic story. Working alongside master silversmiths in Bali, I've learned to blend ancient techniques with contemporary vision, keeping the craft alive while pushing its boundaries.

Looking Forward

As Twisted Ginger Jewelry continues to evolve, 2025 brings exciting new horizons, including initiatives close to my heart that will help provide clean drinking water to communities in need. When I'm not melting metal or selecting stones, I'm juggling mom life and being a fisherman's wife, finding inspiration in the rhythm of island life and the majesty of Southeast Alaska's wilderness.