How long have you been making jewelry? and How did you get your start ?
I took my first jewelry class about 8 years ago.
How have you learned your craft? (self taught? Classes? Books? Online?)
Yes, yes and yes!
Do you create full time? (if so, tell us a little about what a typical day might look like)
Pretty much full time.
If you could go back to the beginning and do one thing differently, what would it be?
So far, I wouldn't change anything.
How would you describe your work? Is this something you'll continue or are you exploring a new style?
Evolving. I like so many things and am always trying things that intrigue me, but I think things fall into 2 basic categories: Man made machine, and natural. Both things fascinate me.
Do you ever get the dreaded ‘creative block’? If so, how do you deal with it?
Yes. When I do, I know it's time to jump start the right side of my brain again. This usually means that I need a new scene and need new eye candy. I take walks; go to museums; do internet research; sketch; and just generally try to wake up the senses. That usually does the trick!
If you had to pick one book to recommend what would it be?
That's a hard one for me because I love books. I don't think it would be a "How To" book. Maybe not even a jewelry book. It might be something like "Elements of Style -- A Practical Encyclopedia of Interior Architectural Details" or any book that has artistic illustrations.
What tool can't you live without?
My Flexshaft.
What's on your bench to finish right now?
A bracelet. It's in the Art Nouveau style with a little modern twist.
What would we be surprised to find out about you?
Oh, I think there's a lot that would surprise you. But I'm going to keep that a mystery!
What's the best piece of advice you've received related to your craft?
Keep going back to the basics in order to explore new territory.
What would you tell someone just starting out?
Look at a lot of other peoples work and actively critique it. Then apply the same active critique to your own work. Don't fear the critical aspect of the process or you will not be able to excel.
It's one thing to do this craft purely for the pleasure of it. It's very pleasurable. But it's another thing to try to get to the truth about yourself and to express that clearly and uniquely. If the expression is the true goal, then you must ask yourself a lot of tough questions. That can be a very personal and at times lonely journey, but also a deeply satisfying one.
Jennifer Smith-Righter
You can see more of Jennifer's work on her website:
Wearable by Design
