Slowmade: Nourishing Conversations for Jewelry Artists and Metalsmiths

• Beth Aimee - From Neurobiology to Metalsmithing, Evolving as an Artist, & Building Your Working Vocabulary

  In this engaging conversation, Christine Mighion interviews Beth Aimee, a talented jeweler who shares her journey from childhood experiences in the Appalachian mountains to her current work in jewelry design. Beth discusses her transition from a career in neurobiology to teaching and eventually to metalsmithing, highlighting the influence of nature on her artistic process. The conversation delves into the importance of community in the creative process, the daily life of a jeweler, and the joy of creating unique pieces. Beth reflects on her design process, the recurring themes in her work, and the evolution of her artistic voice. Beth and Christine delve into the world of jewelry making, exploring the joys of gemstone mining, the challenges of selling at art shows, and the rewarding experience of teaching. They discuss the emotional connections formed through crafting and the importance of integrity in business. The conversation highlights the significance of finding purpose in artistic endeavors and the impact of creating beauty in the world.Follow Beth...Instagram: @bethaimeejewelryWebsite: bethaimeejewelry.comLove the Podcast?Support an episode: ⁠Click here to learn more!⁠ Without your support I couldn’t continue the Slowmade Podcast. Thank you so much!Better yet, join the conversation in the ⁠Slowmade Collective⁠!

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• Rebecca Connell - MopTop Jewelry on Unapologetically Pushing the Pause Button on Business to Care for Herself

  In this conversation, Christine Mighion interviews Rebecca Connell, a metal clay artist known for her work with MopTop Jewelry. They discuss Rebecca's journey into jewelry making, her creative process, the importance of photography in presenting her work, and the challenges she faced transitioning to full-time jewelry making. The conversation also touches on health issues, including perimenopause and ADHD, and how these have impacted her creativity and business management. Rebecca and Christine also discuss the challenges of balancing personal health, creative processes, and the realities of running a jewelry business. They explore the importance of self-discipline, the impact of social media on sales, and the creative blocks artists face. Rebecca shares her journey in jewelry making, her design approach, and offers valuable advice for new artists entering the field. She also shares her insights on managing inventory and pricing, emphasizing the importance of community and support in the creative process. About Rebecca...Rebecca is a full-time metal clay artist, silversmith, lapidarist, tool maker, and instructor who specializes in capturing the beauty of nature in precious metals. She collects natural textures and imprints from her surroundings—from her mother’s gardens to her travels abroad, including a recent trip to Scotland. Rebecca began making jewelry at 13 and has grown her skills alongside the evolution of metal clay. Since purchasing her first kiln in 2013, she’s expanded into traditional goldsmithing, lapidary arts, 3D printing, laser etching, graphic design, and photography. With prior careers in the Air Force and accounting, she brings a unique blend of creativity and precision to her work. Rebecca is based in Winston Salem, NC, where she lives with her husband and their beloved pets, Jimmie and Charlie.Follow Rebecca...Instagram: @moptopjewelryWebsite: moptopjewelry.comLove the Podcast?Support an episode: Click here to learn more!Without your support I couldn’t continue the Slowmade Podcast. Thank you so much!Better yet, join the conversation in the Slowmade Collective!

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• Brittany Foster - When It's Time for a Change in Business and in Life

  Brittany Foster shares her journey from being a custom jeweler in Minneapolis to finding her artistic voice in the serene woods of northern Minnesota. She discusses the challenges and joys of transitioning from commissioned work to personal expression, the inspiration she draws from nature and science, and the importance of creating a supportive environment for creativity. Brittany also reflects on her creative process, the evolution of her artistic style, and the emotional aspects of being an artist. The conversation highlights the balance between the business of art and the need for personal fulfillment in creative endeavors. In this conversation, Brittany Foster and Christine explore the journey of self-discovery, the challenges of creativity, and the importance of community in the world of handcrafted jewelry. They discuss navigating creative blocks, adapting to new business realities post-pandemic, and the balance between production and creativity. The conversation emphasizes the value of handcrafted work, personal growth, and the need for kindness towards oneself in the artistic process.Follow Brittany...Instagram: @bmfjewelryWebsite: bmfjewelry.comLove the Podcast?Support an episode: Click here to learn more! Without your support I couldn’t continue the Slowmade Podcast. Thank you so much!Better yet, join the conversation in the Slowmade Collective!

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• Amy Schmidt: On Balancing Life, Writing a Book, and Creating Salt City Smithery - A Teaching Studio for the Community

  Have you ever thought about writing a book, or perhaps even creating a community studio to teach and work from? If so, I think you will love this conversation with my guest Amy Schmidt. Amy shares her journey into the world of metalsmithing, her passion for the craft, falling in love with teaching and then eventually establishing Salt City Smithery - a teaching and working studio. Amy also reflects on the challenges and rewards of writing her book, “The Bench Book, a Companion for Metalsmiths”. It is a book I have personally found very valuable and you’ll hear me speak about this. Although teaching has now become the primary focus of Amy’s career, she is still eager to sit down at the bench when she can and maintain a hands on connection to her craft.Follow Amy:Instagram: @thesilverschmidtWebsite: saltcitysmithery.comBuy The Bench Book: A Companion for Metalsmiths here.Love the Podcast?Support an episode: Click here to learn more! Without your support I couldn’t continue the Slowmade Podcast. Thank you so much!Join the Slowmade Collective!

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• Lynn Samis: They Can Only Say No, Listening for the Story Your Art Wants to Tell, & Embracing Your Artistic Voice

  Lynn Samis is a talented fine arts portrait painter with a modern, abstract, and colorful approach to her work. Her work bridges between cultures as a reminder of our common ground. It speaks to those who believe everyone deserves a place and a voice, especially in today’s divided world. Her desire is that when viewing her paintings, you can reflect, connect, and maybe even see a bit of yourself in their stories. I first met Lynn in an artist's mastermind we both were a part of and we quickly became friends. During one of our conversations, Lynn told me how much she enjoys Slowmade. Even though she didn’t always understand some of the jewelry-specific topics, she loved hearing each artist’s story. She said her love for painting was the same as my love for metalsmithing so of course I had to have her on as a guest to discuss this more. I really loved this conversation for so many reasons, mostly because it touches on that unexplainable desire we have as artists to create. With every finished piece, there’s that exhale—that blissful moment of satisfaction and sometimes even awe at what we’ve just brought into existence.You’ll hear Lynn talk about the joy of finding her unique voice, stepping into the third act of her life as a successful artist, and how she feels her paintings almost guide her—revealing the story they want to tell. She also shares the importance of being in community with other artists and not letting fear hold you back.Follow Lynn...Instagram: @lynnsamisfineartWebsite: lynnsamisart.comMentioned in the podcast: Miriam Schulman & The Inspiration PlaceLove the Podcast?Support an episode: Click here to learn more! Join the Slowmade Collective! I'd love to see you there.Without your support I couldn’t continue the Slowmade Podcast. Thank you so much!

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