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Saturday, October 11, 2008

Sara Westermark - Metalsmith/Jeweler



I am privileged to know and share gallery space with Sara Westermark, jewelry artist and metalsmith - and much more!  She is mother of three, lyric soprano, teacher, bright and articulate, and a joy to work with, and just plain FUN!  Her work is awe-inspiring!  I am the proud owner of a pair of her earrings and a gorgeous copper bracelet.

Sara is also an Etsy artist, and as you will see from her interview answers, she is versatile and multi-talented.  It is my pleasure to present her to you.  And I urge you to check out her various venues and online locations, including her blog.


AND............on November 13 from 2 - 8 PM, Sara and I will host a Holiday Show of Wearable Art at Port City Pottery & Fine Craft! I am so pleased!

1. What is the name of your etsy shop and what do you sell? Sarawestermark is my Etsy store name and its pretty easy to remember because it is my real name too! http://www.sarawestermark.etsy.com

2. Where are you located? Wilmington, North Carolina in the United States of America



3. Do you have your own website/store outside of Etsy? I show work in local galleries and I have my own website--but my website is really a work in progress. In April of this year I joined Port City Pottery and Fine Craft in downtown Wilmington, and I have been so blessed to not only have great sales, but to be a part of a great group of women and men. I also show my work at Blue Moon Gift Shops in Wilmington, Carolina Creations New Bern, and in Klines' Salon in Columbia, South Carolina.



4. How long have you been doing your craft/art and how did you get started? I have been making and designing jewelry since I was in high school. I originally wanted to go to a trade school to learn metalsmithing, but due to family pressures I chose a career that had a 4 year degree--the very practical art of singing! I have a master's in music from the University of Missouri and still teach private lessons at home. I can't keep my hands still and have always wanted to make things that I saw in my mind. I started to invest more time and money into my "hobby" and my husband began to encourage me to actively sell my work. In the beginning I did small home shows at friends' houses and small fairs. I keep putting myself out there and constantly challenge myself to do new techniques. For every Christmas and Birthday, my husband and family buy me a new tool or piece of equiptment. On our second Valentine's Day (I scolded him the first time around for wasting money on flowers, chocolates and balloons) he tied some heart balloons to a 12 pound anvil! I couldn't be happier. I don't scold him for spending money on tools!



5. Who or what inspires you to create? I love abstract images, line, texture, color and of course faceted stones! I also love synthsizing nature and abstract ideas together. I love to experiment and try out new things. My 7 year old daughter sometimes gives me ideas by making fairy necklaces out of dried up leaves. I love to see the world in her eyes.

6. Do you listen to music when you work, and if so what kind? Baroque music or anything on NPR. I absolutely love This American Life with Ira Glass, Lake Woebegon with Garrison Keillor, Car Talk with Click and Clack and anything opera.

7. What do you like least/most about your craft? I hate to inhale the tiny filings of silver and copper--makes my sinuses act up! 

8. Describe your workspace? I am in transition--I have half of my work bench in my musty dirty garage and a work space in our dining room. My husband is making me a new workbench and we are going to completely move me back into the dining room. 

9. What is one of your best moments as a crafter/artist? Knowing that something that I made is treasured and meaningful.



10. What advice would you give to anyone thinking about starting their own craft business? Do what you love and the money will come, and don't quit before the miracle happens.

1 comment:

Carol Dean Sharpe said...

Great interview! You've been tagged, my friend: http://sandfibers.blogspot.com/2008/10/tag-youre-it.html

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