Announcing the Winner for Elements Theme Jewelry Designs

I'd like to thank everyone who participated in the second month of challenges. The results of the weekly Elements challenges can be seen here:

Earth
Water
Air
Fire
Overall Elements, non-specific

The administrative staff at SRAJD selected one overall winner for April. This person's designs were chosen as best exemplifying the challenge themes.

Congratulations Sue Ranbarger of Suzie's Little Shop!

These were Sue's entries for the weekly challenges:

Earth



Water



Fire




Sue, what prompts you to embrace the SRAJD jewelry-making challenges?

The SRAJD Jewelry Challenges are the first and only motivator that took me out of my comfort zone. It allowed me the freedom to create from that place that's on fire in my mind, to feel that passion as you work a raw material into a piece of art. It's like getting on a bus to an unknown destination and loving the journey as much as the end result.

How did you learn your craft?

I've always been creative, starting with wood working then drawing. I spent a few years working with clay doing sculptures too. But stumbled upon beading, metals and adorning scarves with pendants a year ago. I learned by reading posts, watching videos, talking to others, but didn't really begin to fully understand more of the intricacies until I joined the SRAJD group and starting learning from experienced artists. I have a long way to go, but where would the fun be if there was nothing more to learn?

What do you think is the most interesting thing about your creative expression?

Creative expression in its self is interesting, we each have our own style and you can get to know an artist though their work, or know who made a piece just by looking at it. I have many facets to my styles and expressions. I don't think I could be happy with just one way to express myself. I do love stone, natural stones such as agates which you can find in the majority of my work.

What themes do you pursue?

Most of my jewelry is made for the average everyday beautiful woman to wear to work or out on a date but I love for jewelry to be fun too. The only theme I have is to make comfortable, wearable jewelry that is a compliment to a woman's outfit and personality.

Did you always want to be a jewelry artist?

Becoming a jewelry artist is something that has matured over time. It takes time to develop yourself and skills. There is so much to explore and embrace. I don't think we ever reach a point when we can say I'm there, I'm the best I can be and I've done all I want to do.

What are the biggest challenges that you face as a self-representing jewelry artist?

There are numerous obstacles to face as a jewelry artist although most of them we do with a smile. We face challenges each day. Going from a structured job to being responsible for an entire operation is very challenging. For me stepping outside my comfort zone and being social has been the biggest one. Learning social media and learning to talk to customers, sales venues and other artists, but you need to develop those skills along with many others to support your business if you choose to turn what you love into something you can share with others.

What role does the artist have in society?

The role of any artist in society is vast and breaches all boundaries. We bring feelings to life in the form of art. Art allows us to express or evoke any and all emotions. It can reinforce or change prospective. Art is everywhere and as artists it is our duty and joy to create responsibly and with passion.

How has your art changed over time?

Expressions of art change for me as I mature and change, just as life does. I draw from life and nature and I hope I always will.

What does the future hold for you?

My future will be exactly what I put into it so I'm going full steam with positive thoughts and with great artistic influences to guide me I hope to do great things.

Sue, thanks for taking the time to answer these questions. It's a great pleasure seeing your work and getting to know you better!

See more of Sue's beautiful jewelry here: Suzie's Little Shop