Monday, November 5, 2012

Why do I make jewelry?

Once a month, members of the EtsyMetal team are given a topic or question and then are requested to blog about it simultaneously. This month's topic is:
Why do you make jewelry?
Think hard, dig deep!

WOW.
Another difficult question.

Well here's the easy part of the answer: How did I start making jewelry?

  • I made my first piece of jewelry about 25 years ago but it was NOT love at first sight.
  • I actually fell in love with metal working a year or two later while making a large steel sculpture.
  • METAL + FIRE = LOVE!
  • Another year or so later, I found myself concentrating my college studies in metals/jewelry. I KNEW this is what I was supposed to do with my life.
  • And...I have been making jewelry ever since...

The hard part of the answer: Why am I still making jewelry?

  • AHHHHHH...good question!
  • When I am at the bench and in my zone, jewelry making is pure joy. (METAL + FIRE = LOVE!...right?!?!)
  • But.....I have to admit that after all these years, I have found myself a little bit burnt out. (The reason for this may need to be another blog post.)
  • I don't spend as much time at the bench as I used to.
  • But it is the only thing I know.
  • And I do love it.
  • I have been taking steps to get my mojo back...because I have to!

What is inspiring me to love my love for jewelry making again?

  • New work is inspiring me.
    • Manipulating metal, soldering and creating is my passion.
  • Making wedding bands is inspiring me.
    • Rings are somewhat limiting in design, but they are very intimate objects and many times have such deep personal meaning...this really appeals to me.
  • Helping couples to make their own wedding bands in my workshop is inspiring me.
    • This is SO satisfying. Showing a novice the work involved in making a fine piece of jewelry and watching the couple work together fills me with joy. 
  • Teaching others is inspiring me.
    • I have recently REdiscovered the joy of sharing my knowledge with others. It is a nice change from working alone in my studio.
So have I answered the original question, Why do you make jewelry?
I make jewelry because I love working with my hands, I love working with metal, I love stones, I love making objects that make others happy. It is my career, my art, my passion, my life. Sometimes we stumble or slow down along the journey but we still continue...

Please follow these links to read why my fellow EtsyMetal members' make jewelry: