Saturday, May 19, 2012
Changes
“The pessimist complains about the wind; the optimist expects it to change; the realist adjusts the sails.” - William Arthur Ward
This week has been a roller coaster. My husband has "accused" me of being too much of a realist at times. I know and hope for the optimistic turnout, but just in case I have a plan B. With this change in career has come independence, but also no fallout plan (a.k.a. my plan B). I went into this with a very different approach. Instead of a backup, I began with thinking (or trying to make myself believe) this will work and I will be great because there was no other option. There are not many jobs where a person can use their artistic skills while helping others and making enough to live. This was what I had wanted and I finally had taken the risk so there was no turning back or plan B.
In class we began working with platinum, fabricating an entire trellis from just wire, when platinum is $70+ per mm. Makes each file stroke not just a little more nerve-racking, but expensive as well. I also was able to fuse and solder platinum which means wearing special glasses to protect from the high temps my torch had to get up to (like 3000+ degrees).
The platinum wire I started with to make the trellis head
The platinum jump rings I made from wire in photo above-1st step to making trellis head
On the non-school side I have begun packing and will be loading up my car with most of my things tomorrow in preparation for the long 20 hour drive to Texas on Friday. Plans have changed (as they often do in life, especially military life) and I will be making the journey to my new home with my mom and my two cats.
I am looking forward to my new home, being back in Texas, seeing my husband, being closer to family and friends (many I have not seen in years-including family), and, hopefully, being stationary for awhile. I am also excited for the fresh job prospects and my different career. Although I am sad to be leaving Tennessee, the friends I have made here, and to be leaving the protected realm of the classroom, I know I am ready to head out into the jewelry industry in Texas and begin to make my own mark.
Some pictures of some pieces I took my own spin on (forgive my photography skills-still working on white/dark light concept)
This week has been a roller coaster. My husband has "accused" me of being too much of a realist at times. I know and hope for the optimistic turnout, but just in case I have a plan B. With this change in career has come independence, but also no fallout plan (a.k.a. my plan B). I went into this with a very different approach. Instead of a backup, I began with thinking (or trying to make myself believe) this will work and I will be great because there was no other option. There are not many jobs where a person can use their artistic skills while helping others and making enough to live. This was what I had wanted and I finally had taken the risk so there was no turning back or plan B.
In class we began working with platinum, fabricating an entire trellis from just wire, when platinum is $70+ per mm. Makes each file stroke not just a little more nerve-racking, but expensive as well. I also was able to fuse and solder platinum which means wearing special glasses to protect from the high temps my torch had to get up to (like 3000+ degrees).
On the non-school side I have begun packing and will be loading up my car with most of my things tomorrow in preparation for the long 20 hour drive to Texas on Friday. Plans have changed (as they often do in life, especially military life) and I will be making the journey to my new home with my mom and my two cats.
I am looking forward to my new home, being back in Texas, seeing my husband, being closer to family and friends (many I have not seen in years-including family), and, hopefully, being stationary for awhile. I am also excited for the fresh job prospects and my different career. Although I am sad to be leaving Tennessee, the friends I have made here, and to be leaving the protected realm of the classroom, I know I am ready to head out into the jewelry industry in Texas and begin to make my own mark.
Some pictures of some pieces I took my own spin on (forgive my photography skills-still working on white/dark light concept)
Although I have not cleaned up/filed/polished any of the piece I went ahead and hollow-tube riveted two sawed out brass designs and set a CZ in the tube-all of the pieces move (which I love!)
This sterling silver ring I assembled over a year ago when I basically had no experience and wanted a fun challenge. Well, I thought I would never finish it, let alone make it look alright. I am happy to say it is finished and not too shabby! 3 London Blue Topaz and 2 White Topaz bezel set.
A pendant mounting I purchased awhile back ago and thought I would never know how to set anything in it. Finished in an hour (getting faster!) and am so happy with it and the milgrain detailing!
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What are your plans in Texas. Are you going to sell your jewelry designs or are you going to work for a store/shop? If you are going to run your own business make sure to study up on business. Many artists don't focus enough on business planning and networking with their local chamber of commerce and so on. Stay strong and have faith in yourself!
ReplyDeleteThank you, Valerie for the encouraging words! My plan for now is to find a full-time or even a part-time bench jeweler job in Georgetown or Austin, Texas area and make my own pieces on the side. I am hoping to be able to do a trade show eventually, but may have to work up to this. Thankfully I am somewhat familiar with business planning since I did have a consignment store before, but am working on my networking skills still. Any suggestions/links/advice is greatly appreciated!(= What are your plans? Are you trying to find a job and work on your own pieces on the side as well (saw that you were going to a job interview)? Good luck with your work-you are very talented-can't wait to see more!
DeleteThe military tactician says, I planned for which direction the wind is coming, and if I still need to go that way Ill install a motor. - Kevin Merrill. See I read your blog. I'm just amazed though at the pictures, they dont reflect the quality of work when looking at them on my dumb phone.
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