The Scribe - Page 4

The Incredible Medusa’s Stones - Fluorescent Jewelry @medusasstonessmedusas-stones.com See more now! Sarah Nidek-Eberle • Childhood rock collector turned lapidary artist • Creates fluorescent Lake Erie stone jewelry • Repurposes Jeep paint into art From Childhood Rock Collector to Educator Sarah’s passion for rocks began in her childhood, collecting specimens with her father who encouraged her creative spirit. Growing up near Lake Erie in the 1980s, she spent time combing beaches for rocks and shells, developing an early connection to nature that would shape her future path. Educational Career and Personal Growth After becoming a certified scuba diver in 1996, Sarah pursued a career in education, earning a Master’s Degree and teaching science in Florida. Despite facing workplace challenges as a woman in the early 2000s, she maintained her passion for education while exploring new opportunities in sales and marketing in Orlando. Return to Rocks and Artistic Development After moving back to Ohio and raising her family, Sarah reconnected with her love of rocks. She studied the shorelines of the Great Lakes and learned lapidary, eventually purchasing her own Cab King polishing machine. Her work now focuses on three main areas: rock-hounding, repurposing materials, and education. Specialized Collections and Techniques Sarah has developed expertise in collecting neolites (fluorescent sodalite) from Lake Erie’s shores, working with approximately 15 different glowing rock matrices. Her ADHD harmonizes well with rock collecting, as each specimen presents unique characteristics. She particularly enjoys working with Scapolite stones, known for their yellow fluorescence. Innovative Use of Industrial Materials Drawing from her family’s connection to the Jeep industry, Sarah works with “Jeepite” - accumulated paint overspray from Jeep manufacturing. She also incorporates Cadillac Ranch Fordite, created from decades of tourist graffiti at the famous Route 66 landmark, into her artistic pieces. Community Engagement and Education Sarah continues her educational mission through various community initiatives. She hosts “Rocktology” Live sessions on Facebook and organizes events like the LLS Hunt For The Cure glowhunt, combining her artistic passion with charitable causes. She also works part-time with autistic children, using her rock collection to engage and inspire them.