Today we’d like to introduce you to Amy Gresens.
Amy, we’d love to hear your story and how you got to where you are today both personally and as an artist.
My grandmother had a drawer full of jewelry, all in their original boxes, and I have such fond memories of taking out all the boxes and spreading them onto the bed then one by one open each box admiring what was inside. Later I would take my mother’s broken costume jewelry, disassemble it and make my own creations.
When I was in my late 20’s after exploring photography and sculpture I returned to my jewelry making roots. I started with beading as most jewelry artists do but at some point that wasn’t enough. The Spruill Center for the Arts was offering a beginning jewelry & metalsmithing class so I decided to enroll. It only took one class for me to discover I was in my element. That was almost 20 years ago and I’ve been making jewelry ever since.
We’d love to hear more about your art. What do you do you do and why and what do you hope others will take away from your work?
I am a contemporary jewelry artist working primarily in sterling silver. All of my pieces are fabricated from sheet metal and wire then soldered together. What makes my jewelry unique is that I incorporate colored resin into my most of my designs. Resin in naturally clear so I mix all the colors myself using powder pigments. The result is vibrant, colorful jewelry that is lightweight.
What do you think it takes to be successful as an artist?
The simple definition is making artwork that people love. However, for me I feel more successful when I challenge myself creatively and am always looking forward.
Putting your artwork out for the world to see can be tough. In my experience I would say being open-minded and having thick skin are 2 qualities every artist should possess. Not everyone will like your work but do you like it?
Do you have any events or exhibitions coming up? Where would one go to see more of your work? How can people support you and your artwork?
They can visit my website: www.element47designs.com
Follow me on Instagram: @element47jewelry
Or like my Facebook page: element47jewelry
They can also find my work at the beehive, the Spruill Gallery and the Aimee Gallery
Contact Info:
- Address: 4180 Cedar Knoll Drive
Tucker, GA 30084 - Website: www.element47designs,ccom
- Email: amy@element47designs.com
- Instagram: @element47jewelry
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/element47jewelry
Image Credit:
Photos by Amy Gresens
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