One of my biggest struggles as a designer is getting into a comfortable groove of production. I’m filled with grand ideas but dragging my ass out to my often cold and spider-filled studio to actually do the MAKING part can be daunting. Of course, one day, I’ll have a beautiful, clean, natural light-filled studio, (hopefully in New York overlooking the city, buzzing with life and filling me with utter inspiration). But until then, my dusty, dank garage studio will have to suffice. I am grateful to have it. So much space, and I don’t feel guilty when it looks like a bomb went off in it. But it’s hard to make myself go out there.
When I see photos of other jewelers at their benches I can tell so much about them. I love it. If someone came into my house, they would see every single thing in its place. Not a dust bunny or dirty dish in sight. Fresh flowers on the table, fluffy throws covering scratch marks from the cat on the couch, most personal items hidden away. A bit of an act perhaps. But no one goes into my studio. So, I’m not putting on any kind of show there. It is completely real and raw. Bits and pieces everywhere. Countless projects laid out, dust and shards of metal, tools piled on top of each other. Don’t get me wrong, there is still a semblance of order, (I’m an OCD sufferer), but there is no show here. Just the realest parts of me. The feeling of complete creative freedom keeps me coming back… to the spiders and all.