I have been working on a few new things and I am excited to share “Jolene”, a collection of one of a kind pearl, oxidized sterling and 18K gold pendants.
Jolene, pearl, gold and oxidized sterling silver pendants
The Shape of Things
A surreal week has provided an opportunity to immerse myself in the studio, much more than usual. A creative activity takes your mind in a different direction for a few hours, and it is so necessary to escape, even for a short moment, as we weather this storm.
The extra time at my bench has allowed me to develop and play with a new fabrication technique. I am discovering endless possibilities for interesting shape shifting designs and combinations. So many, that I need to decide what to focus on and what to set aside for the future.
While I’ve had failures during this phase, some cool successes were achieved too. Failure is helpful because we learn why something isn’t working, and rather than giving up, it challenges us to figure out a solution. What a profound sense of accomplishment when that happens.
The next exciting step is turning these little sculptures into jewelry. I will share them with you soon, hoping they bring you joy.
As we forge ahead, my thoughts continue to be with everyone who depends on their small business to pay the bills. I know this too shall pass, and praying that it ends quickly.
For now, this is the shape of things and we must make the best of it, for when it’s over our strength will propel us forward.
Stay well my friends.
Jackie
Forever Experimenting
Trying new fabrication techniques is one of the most gratifying ways of experimentation. This particular technique has my mind racing with possibilities! I can’t wait to share my completed jewelry designs! For now, here are just a couple forms and shapes in progress.
Rewind Reflect Reimagine
Recently, I had a moment of clarity about my jewelry business and social media presence. It was in a static state and needed a makeover. Realizing this, I decided to take a step back, reflect, regroup and reimagine this multi-faceted venture. A daunting and challenging project.
My first action was to withdraw from Instagram. It was clear I needed to master this channel, but I knew I couldn’t focus on this task if I was still engaged. I began thinking about the endless images I scrolled through every day. I had to wonder, what causes me stop, look and like an image or post? What possesses me to follow one person or business and not the next? Why would someone stop, like and comment on an image of mine or follow me? What makes a person want to view my profile and click to my website? And with all the algorithm changes, how do I even get visibility? So many questions to ponder, and I needed expert advice to help answer them.
With all the offers of free webinars promising to give you hints and tips to generate more likes and followers, I elected to take a few to see what I might learn, and boy I learned a lot! The presenters filled each session with great information and practical ideas to enhance your presence, with the goal of attracting more views, followers, and ultimately sales. I also dove into the feeds of people and businesses I admire, searching for a common thread or that “something” I was lacking in my images and commentary.
The “aha” moment came when I realized my posts had no personality, style, or context. They lacked interest and excitement and I was not present in any of my images. Who was I, other than another person making jewelry? Coming to that conclusion gave me such great relief! I look forward to incorporating what I’ve learned and moving in a new creative direction.
You can follow me @jackiejordanstudio to witness the transformation!
Cheers to a new adventure!
Jackie
Temporary Studio Blues
If you haven’t heard the news, I am relocating my life and my studio from Dallas to Kansas City, Missouri. When I told my fellow jewelry friends I was moving to KC, I got a “deer in the headlights” stare followed by, “WHY?”. If you’ve never visited, or spent time in Kansas City, you don’t know what you’re missing. I’ve lived there twice, each time briefly, but I fell in love with this town in less than a heartbeat, and I have looked forward to the day when my husband Kurt and I would move back forever.
Kansas City is a hidden, midwestern gem of a place. There is a welcoming and authentic sense of community here that I never felt in any other city where I’ve lived. It is also rich in history, arts, culture, entertainment, unique shopping, and so much more. I am eager to dive deeply into, and become part of this diverse, creative, and embracing maker society.
While this remarkable next adventure won’t be without a few less than ideal, temporary lifestyle changes, we couldn’t be happier. Kurt and I are building our forever home, a dream come true, but in the interim we will be apartment dwellers. My bench will be a makeshift kitchen table with tools in a stack of boxes, and the worst part, no torch! This will take me back to my roots, and the first lessons learned in this incredible craft. There is no doubt it will reignite my love of rivets and other cold connections, so not a horrible consequence. As Alexander Calder once said “The trouble with a lot of artists today is that they have too much technique and equipment. They don’t know what to do with it all. If you cut down on it, you can work more strongly within narrower limits” I’m certain to rediscover the truth in that profound statement.
Although this interim situation may give me the studio blues, I believe it will push me to be more inventive and creative. It will also make me appreciate more than ever, the dedicated studio space my new home includes. No more soldering in the garage in 100 degree or 30 degree weather. No more climbing stairs to my bench on the second floor and back down to the garage again. No more lack of water at my fingertips and poor lighting conditions. And the best part is no more neighbors weirdly looking at me in my apron, mask and safety glasses.
During this transitory time I will continue to create as I dream with anticipation about my new studio space and sharing it with you. Please be patient, it’s nearly a year away!
Jackie
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Hope to hear from you soon!
Jackie