Announcing the Winner for Iconic Painters Theme Jewelry Designs (July 2014)

I’d like to thank everyone who participated in July 2014 SRAJD challenges. The results for the Iconic Painters themed challenges can be seen here:

Pablo Picasso
Piet Mondrian
Leonid Afremov
Henri Rousseau

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

Congratulations Katie Palmer of Sage Hen Designs!

This was Katies’s entry for the Picasso weekly challenge: 

We thought it would be nice to get to know a little bit more about Katie so I asked her some questions…

What prompts you to embrace the SRAJD jewelry-making challenges?

I feel that the challenges are a fun way to push skills and comfort level. Even though I do not have the time to participate often, I do find myself doing a sketch for the months theme in my idea book. Who knows, someday they may all get made!

How did you learn your craft?

I am self taught in my metal smithing skills. Lots of errors over the years, but each one I messed up on taught me something. (And yes, I am still learning.) This year was going to be my year to learn enameling, but I am still intrigued with loop in loop chain making and polishing my skills. Last year I taught myself to set gemstones, still have a lot to learn with that as time goes on also.

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

I think the evolution of my direction over the last 15 years is interesting. I started out as a lampwork bead maker. But over the years, metals seem to have taken over. My style tends to be rather rustic and casual with using a lot of patinas and stones that I have collected locally.

What themes do you pursue?

I don't think I am really pursing any specific themes. I tend to have a stone that I cut, then start sketching, thinking of its color, shape and any interesting points that could be accentuated. Each item has a life of its own.

Did you always want to be a jewelry artist?

Did I always want to be a jewelry artist? Well, not really! LOL I started out oil painting years ago and thought that would be my goal, but life and my restless mind that sees something and wants to learn how to make that has taken me down many artistic paths over my life. Who knows what I will be making 10 years from now.

What are the biggest challenges that you face as a self-representing jewelry artist?
The hardest think for any artist is to get there name out there and people to see what we are making. Especially with jewelry, it's so hard to stand out and get noticed in such a saturated market. Having a resource like SRAJD is a wonderful community and tool for jewelry artists to use and support.

What role does the artist have in society?

What role does the artist have in society? Boy, that's a tough one. I think items that a person makes by hand, whether is be jewelry, fiber arts or any medium is special. Something that a person can hold, admire and understand that someone’s ideas, dreams and sole has gone into creating an item, it's truly something they can cherish. With so much mass produced, machine made items in our lives, I feel that people will always gravitate towards the unique, handmade item. Sure it's easy to run to the big box store and buy a pair of earrings, but we need to educate, or possibly remind the public on the handmade end of the spectrum, that there are truly unique items that will hold a special place in their lives when purchased.

How has your art changed over time?

Yes my art has changed, and is still evolving and will continue to evolve. I have such an eclectic taste in everything that I don't think I will ever really settle into one style. I need, and crave variety. In a way that may be my Achilles heel, but so be it. At least I will be happy doing what I do.

What does the future hold for you?

I think the next decade will be interesting to see what direction I take. I have been getting interested in making rein chains for horsemen. (buckaroo style gear) Chain making on a larger scale is starting to peak my interest, and incorporating jewelry skills on a larger scale would be a fun push of my skills.

Katie, thanks for taking the time to answer these questions. It’s an immense pleasure seeing your work and getting to know you better!

See more of Katie’s fabulous jewelry by clicking here.