Slowmade: Nourishing Conversations for Jewelry Artists and Metalsmiths

Anya first stumbled across the opportunity to learn the craft of metal smithing while traveling solo in India for 6 months in 2016. Little did she know that her love for the craft would deepen and grow over the years to turn into her own small business of WabiSabi Silver. Anya is committed to living a joyful life that centers around sustainability. She is currently a part of a team that is at the beginning stage of building a natural building/permaculture educational site where her yurt and newly built straw bale art studio live. Her efforts towards sustainability show up in her creations through the stones she chooses and through recycling and reclaiming metals. It also shows up in her creative process, taking time to recharge and spark inspiration through the purposeful work of building community and reciprocal relationship with the land. Anya has always loved crafting and building things with her hands and particularly enjoys the meditative quality required of the process. Her hope is to offer pieces infused with a deep care and sweetness that can be felt by the wearer. To find out more about the sustainable building and permaculture education project Anya spoke of please visit ⁠⁠earthvilleinstitute.org⁠⁠ You can follow Anya and see her beautiful work at the links below. Instagram: @wabisabi_silver Website: wabisabisilver.com If this podcast means something to you and you would like to support it, please take a a moment to give it a few kinds word with a written review on your favorite podcast listening platform. This helps me share the podcast with others. You can also share a favorite episode or consider joining our Slowmade Podcast Patreon community. You support literally makes this podcast possible. Thank you so much! You can follow along or reach out to Christine on Instagram: ⁠@christinemighion⁠ or ⁠@slowmadepodcast⁠ or you can send her an email at: info@christinemighion.com

Tracey Timmons is an exhibiting artist and metalsmith who creates one of kind pieces of jewelry. She has been metalsmithing for about 10 years and is mostly self-guided, learning through books, videos, and trial and error. Tracey participates in art shows and exhibits her work, preferring the in-person experience where people can see and touch her creations. Tracey has recently been accepted to exhibit at the Smithsonian Craft2Wear show, which is a major accomplishment for her and she is super excited to create a special body of work for the show. Like many of us, Tracey faces challenges as a jewelry artist, including occasional feelings of inferiority due to not having a formal arts education. However, she has gained confidence in her abilities and has found her niche in creating one-of-a-kind jewelry pieces inspired by nature, particularly blooms, butterflies, and botanical elements. Tracey values the textures, layers, and colors in her work and enjoys the imperfections and balance she can achieve. In this conversation, Tracey discusses her approach to creating jewelry and the importance of staying true to herself as an artist. She shares how she balances the desire to sell her work with the freedom to create what she truly loves. Tracey also talks about the role of social media in her business and the challenges of pricing her work. She emphasizes the importance of being part of an art community and shares her goals for the future. Instagram: @traceytimmonsjewelry Website: www.traceytimmons.com If this podcast means something to you and you would like to support it, please take a a moment to give it a few kinds word with a written review on your favorite podcast listening platform. This helps me share the podcast with others. You can also share a favorite episode or consider joining our Slowmade Podcast Patreon community. You support literally makes this podcast possible. Thank you so much! You can follow along or reach out to Christine on Instagram: @christinemighion or send her an email at: info@christinemighion.com

Have you ever wondered how some makers seem to be able to do it all so damn well? They single handedly run what appears to be busy and successful businesses while creating high volumes of work, that their fans snatch up as soon as the pieces becomes available. They have a large, engaged Instagram following… and why wouldn’t they? They even do Instagram so well… consistently sharing their work, their lives, and their loves in the most authentic way that leaves you simply wanting more of everything they have to give. Laura Niblack, aka The Wild Pine, is simply one of those artists that I look at in wonder and today I get to sit down with her and ask how in the heck does she do it all? Believe I have questions. Laura discusses the importance of batch work, what helps her move through challenging times, and the marriage of her love of nature and as her experience as a wilderness guide with all the beauty she creates. If for some reason you don't know Laura, be sure to head over to her Instagram. But give yourself some time because I know you won't want to leave. About Laura... Laura creates jewelry inspired by the vibrant, colorful landscapes of the backcountry, shaped by her own experiences of finding adventure and solace in the flora and fauna of the wilderness. She uses recycled silver, incorporating colorful stones that have been curated with intention from all over the world. She has a particular affinity for turquoise mined in the U.S.- vibrant and natural, straight from the earth and into your hands. Laura has purposely chosen to utilize traditional methods of metalsmithing: using simple tools and a torch to craft jewelry. This gives each piece a rustic feel, boldly showing the evidence of her own two human hands that have lovingly created a piece of art just for you. Each is one-of-a-kind and unable to be perfectly replicated again. Laura's hope is that her jewelry will become treasured heirlooms, serving as small reminders of the awe-inspiring beauty of our natural world. Follow along with all of Laura's adventures and see her creations: Instagram: @thewildpine Website: thewildpine.com If this podcast means something to you and you would like to support it, please take a a moment to give it a few kinds word with a written review on your favorite podcast listening platform. This helps me share the podcast with others. You can also share a favorite episode or consider joining our Slowmade Podcast Patreon community. You support literally makes this podcast possible. Thank you so much! You can follow along or reach out to Christine on Instagram: @christinemighion or send her an email at: info@christinemighion.com

You know when I think back to my early days of making jewelry, I could give you the names of two people in particular I followed and admired. Jess Cote would be one of the two, though for years I only knew her by her business name, Rosy Revolver. Even in her early years, she had a signature style that clearly defined her brand. I’ve really enjoyed following Jess over the years. Her work is ever evolving, yet distinctively displays her finger prints as the artist. When I think of her workin recent years, I see layers of metal punctuated with color and detail. And when it comes to those little details, I distinctively remember when she introduced a series with hundreds of small silver dots and circle. I humbly bow to her patience and dedication to exploring her craft. She has far more patience than I ever will. And I think it’s this love of detail combined with her signature style and superb execution that has pulled in so many loyal fans. I’ve quietly admired Jess from the sidelines, and I was even a bit nervous to reach out to her to see if she would be interested in coming on Slowmade. I was so thrilled when she agreed to sit down with me for a chat that I’m sure I let out a squeal. During our conversation you’ll hear Jess talk about the importance of self examination in understanding her “why” and she is keenly aware of how her past continues to inform her artistic vision. She also talks about the importance of leaning into your why and showing up on the days you can’t find inspiration. Jess has a lot on her plate most days. She is a busy mama, animal wrangler, artist, course creator, and all around magical one woman show. You’ll here her talk about the challenges of keeping it together when you’re doing all of things. I know you’re going to have some good things to chew on after listening to this conversation. I’m still digesting. Jess wanted to share information regarding a scholarship opportunity for Heart of the Maker. Click here to view a recent video about the HOTM scholarship and here to go to the form where you can nominate a fellow maker for the scholarship for the Summer 2024 cohort. About Jess... Jessica Jordan Coté is a southern metalsmith from Fuquay Varina, North Carolina. Largely self-taught in the realm of metal fabrication, she has been smithing full time since 2008 and teaching around the country since 2012. Jessica is the lone figure behind the brand Rosy Revolver, an unflinching line of feminine statement jewelry. She is a wife, mother, animal enthusiast and lover of all things vintage. Instagram: @rosyrevolver Website: rosyrevolver.com If this podcast means something to you and you would like to support it, please take a a moment to give it a few kinds word with a written review on your favorite podcast listening platform. This helps me share the podcast with others. You can also share a favorite episode or consider joining our Slowmade Podcast Patreon community. You support literally makes this podcast possible. Thank you so much! You can follow along or reach out to Christine on Instagram: @christinemighion or send her an email at: info@christinemighion.com

Today, I’m talking with a jewelry artist I’ve been rather obsessed with for a while now, Ann Chikahisa. Ann creates bold, yet wearable every day jewelry. Her talisman pieces are among my favorite and I’m excited to say that I now own one of Ann’s heart built talismans. But Ann’s jewelry is one reason I have been enthralled by her. She is doing something so many of us (including myself) have a hard to doing. Ann shows up on camera a lot,… and I mean a lot…showing up for her customers and her community on social media each week. You’ll even hear her talk about how disheartening it feels when she goes live… to crickets. From her videos, to her writing, and her work, her authenticity, positive outlook, and inner light shine brightly, and I when I see that type of light I’m like a moth to a flame. Honestly I wish we could have talked a little longer. Ann has done some really creative things with her online business and if you don’t already know her, I think you really need to give her a follow. I think you will love her as much as I do. About Ann... Ann Chikahisa is a metalsmith and jewelry designer who creates pieces that speak to a woman’s soul and ignites her inner passion. After a successful corporate sales career, Ann took a creative passion and founded a six figure online business, Chikahisa Studio. She has over 15 years experience as a business owner,metalsmith and jewelry designer where she creates pieces that connect women with their inner power. Her mission is to help women realize their highest potential because it’s never too late! Ann and her jewelry have been featured in Sports Illustrated Swim, King 5 News, Refinery29, About.com and Blow. She has also been a guest on several podcasts such as Sweet but Fearless and Instagram Lives. Follow Ann... Website: chikahisastudio.com Instagram: @chikahisastudio If this podcast means something to you and you would like to support it, please take a a moment to give it a few kinds word with a written review on your favorite podcast listening platform. This helps me share the podcast with others. You can also share a favorite episode or consider joining our Slowmade Podcast Patreon community. You support literally makes this podcast possible. Thank you so much! You can follow along or reach out to Christine on Instagram: @christinemighion or send her an email at: info@christinemighion.com

Today I’m sharing my conversation with Colin Miller, the owner of the Artisan’s Bench. I love hearing the stories of business owners and what called them to start their business. Colin shares his journey of working with his mother in her high quality, imported rug business to eventually taking the reins and forming what is now the Artisan’s Bench. The Artisan’s Bench carries work from several of the makers we have had here on the podcast. So many of these artists have worked with Colin for years and have nothing but great things to say which I why I was really excited to talk with him. One of the things that I loved about this conversation was hearing Colin’s passion for supporting the artists he partners with as well as supporting his local community and economy. Colin shares his perspective as a shop owner and openly discusses the challenges he has faced, and continues to face, as a brick and mortar retailer in the Midwest. Colin goes on to talk about what he looks for when considering to take on a new artist, advice for artists wanting to work with a retailer, and the importance of having a strong partnership. The Artisan’s Bench is located in Brighton, MI and specializes in providing unique handmade goods: jewelry, ceramics, rugs, painting, wood, and more all crafted by artists around the country. The Artisan’s Bench on Instagram: @theartisansbench Website: www.artisansbench.com If this podcast means something to you and you would like to support it, please take a a moment to give it a few kinds word with a written review on your favorite podcast listening platform. This helps me share the podcast with others. You can also share a favorite episode or consider joining our Slowmade Podcast Patreon community. You support literally makes this podcast possible. Thank you so much! You can follow along or reach out to Christine on Instagram: @christinemighion or send her an email at: info@christinemighion.com