What do you make?
I design and make contemporary jewellery from silver, gold and semi-precious gemstones. I use a combination of traditional goldsmithing techniques, alongside more modern practices.
How long have you been running your creative business?
About 15 years in one form or another.
What inspired you to start your creative business?
I repaired a broken bead necklace of mine and caught the bug. I signed up for a basic jewellery class and next thing I knew I was enrolled in a City & Guild jewellery degree.
I design and make contemporary jewellery from silver, gold and semi-precious gemstones. I use a combination of traditional goldsmithing techniques, alongside more modern practices.
How long have you been running your creative business?
About 15 years in one form or another.
What inspired you to start your creative business?
I repaired a broken bead necklace of mine and caught the bug. I signed up for a basic jewellery class and next thing I knew I was enrolled in a City & Guild jewellery degree.
Do you work at this full-time on your creative business or alongside other work? Tell us about your other work?
My jewellery business has been full-time work, but since the pandemic I have pulled back a bit and made it more of a part-time endeavour. This gives me time to paint, sketch and travel.
How did you learn your craft - are you self-taught or did you attend courses - if so what and where?
I did a 4 year jewellery degree (City & Guild) at City LIt in London, as well as a series of specialised workshops at West Dean, Metalwerx (US), Haystack (US) and with various private tutors. I also have a painting degree from The School of the Art Institute of Chicago which has informed my designs.
My jewellery business has been full-time work, but since the pandemic I have pulled back a bit and made it more of a part-time endeavour. This gives me time to paint, sketch and travel.
How did you learn your craft - are you self-taught or did you attend courses - if so what and where?
I did a 4 year jewellery degree (City & Guild) at City LIt in London, as well as a series of specialised workshops at West Dean, Metalwerx (US), Haystack (US) and with various private tutors. I also have a painting degree from The School of the Art Institute of Chicago which has informed my designs.
What is it you love most about the creative process?
"I love finding shapes in nature that I then translate into metal. When I was working on my painting degree, it was all about finding shapes and textures that were translated into mark making on the canvas. When I discovered metal, something clicked.
I did a lot of bookbinding when studying my art degree, so I love to make and work in sketchbooks as a way to develop a design. But as often as not, I will pick up a piece of silver scrap and see if I can make something out of a piece that was left behind. A bit like scraps of collage paper that are more interesting than the bigger piece.
"I love finding shapes in nature that I then translate into metal. When I was working on my painting degree, it was all about finding shapes and textures that were translated into mark making on the canvas. When I discovered metal, something clicked.
I did a lot of bookbinding when studying my art degree, so I love to make and work in sketchbooks as a way to develop a design. But as often as not, I will pick up a piece of silver scrap and see if I can make something out of a piece that was left behind. A bit like scraps of collage paper that are more interesting than the bigger piece.
Is there another craft you are drawn to other than your own?
I went back to embroidery and stitching during lockdown. I provided focus and mental relaxation that I really needed at the time. I am less interested in traditional stitching and more drawn to the ides of mark making.
Where do you look for creative inspiration?
My primary source for design and inspiration is the seaside, especially in New England where I grew up. I am constantly taking myself on "artist dates" to see exhibitions (painting, textile, drawing in particular). I also have a degree in History of Art, so exhibitions constantly feed my creative and academic needs.
I went back to embroidery and stitching during lockdown. I provided focus and mental relaxation that I really needed at the time. I am less interested in traditional stitching and more drawn to the ides of mark making.
Where do you look for creative inspiration?
My primary source for design and inspiration is the seaside, especially in New England where I grew up. I am constantly taking myself on "artist dates" to see exhibitions (painting, textile, drawing in particular). I also have a degree in History of Art, so exhibitions constantly feed my creative and academic needs.
How do you find you benefit from being part of a creative collective?
I love the community that MHC provides. It is informative, creative, supportive and a place where we can go shout successes from the roof top or drown our sorrows. The group of Creatives changes and evolves, but the sense of community remains.
What advice would you give to aspiring artists, designers and makers?
Do it! I started on a kitchen table with the dream of one day having a studio and a business. Explore and take risks, you will eventually find your style.
I love the community that MHC provides. It is informative, creative, supportive and a place where we can go shout successes from the roof top or drown our sorrows. The group of Creatives changes and evolves, but the sense of community remains.
What advice would you give to aspiring artists, designers and makers?
Do it! I started on a kitchen table with the dream of one day having a studio and a business. Explore and take risks, you will eventually find your style.
What is the biggest challenge of running a creative business?
Balancing the overhead costs with the amount of sales needed to make a consistent profit. In other words, balancing the books.
When you're not working on your business, how do you like to spend your time? hobbies, pastimes etc
I am a travel fiend and get itchy feet if I don't have a trip planned. I grew up travelling and realised just how important it was to me when we were in lockdown. I also paint and draw compulsively in my sketchbooks. They aren't for anyone else but me. It is where I can escape and spend hours without anyone bothering me (and they come on my travels, as well!).
Shop Wyckoff Smith Jewellery here www.wyckoffsmith.com
Balancing the overhead costs with the amount of sales needed to make a consistent profit. In other words, balancing the books.
When you're not working on your business, how do you like to spend your time? hobbies, pastimes etc
I am a travel fiend and get itchy feet if I don't have a trip planned. I grew up travelling and realised just how important it was to me when we were in lockdown. I also paint and draw compulsively in my sketchbooks. They aren't for anyone else but me. It is where I can escape and spend hours without anyone bothering me (and they come on my travels, as well!).
Shop Wyckoff Smith Jewellery here www.wyckoffsmith.com
RSS Feed
