Brightfire Artworks is the creative endeavor of Erica Galante of Pacific Grove, California. Erica worked as a bench jeweler from 2006-2012 and had her own jewelry business (Erica Freestone handmade artisan jewelry) from 2012-2019. She specialized in bespoke, hand-forged and one of a kind engagement rings and wedding rings as well as artisan sterling silver jewelry. In 2018 she fell ill with unexplained, constant dizziness and ultimately could no longer work with small objects or sit for long hours at her jewelry bench. She focused on healing and started a family which kept her plenty busy. In the fall of 2021 she came across a retiring artist who was liquidating his entire stained glass workshop, and she took it as a sign to start over in another medium and went for it, learning stained glass by watching youtube videos. In late 2022 she re-invented herself as Brightfire Artworks and is overjoyed to be making art again.

Erica’s work mostly centers on natural forms inspired by the beauty of the Monterey Bay, which has been her home since 2004. Ocean waves and landscapes are a favorite theme as well as leaves and flowers—invariably an inspiration from growing up in her Mother’s flower shop and presently working alongside her Mom as Willow & Plum, a local wedding and event floral company.