Check Out Megan Clark’s Story

Today we’d like to introduce you to Megan Clark

Hi Megan, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
I began to work with metals in college, and enjoy making jewelry because of its scale and relationship to the wearer. It is important that for centuries jewelry has been used as a way to connect. After graduating I worked as a bench jeweler for several years and taught at local art centers before starting my business as an independent jeweler and exhibiting my work at nationally juried art shows and festivals.

My path has been driven a lot by life circumstances and opportunities. The recession in 2008 and a lack of bench jobs, as well as an emerging artist grant that I received for display cases collectively fueled my decision to start doing art shows.

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Not at all, but what significant life is? There are a lot of variables that are out of my control with my chosen path, and a lot of hats to wear. I would argue the biggest struggle that I think may be universal to any job is time management and life balance. As an artist, I think the biggest challenge is continuing to evolve and grow to keep your heart and mind happy, while maintaining the audience that you have created with your work. The second you think you have it figured out something will humble you.

Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
Using traditional goldsmithing techniques, I hand fabricate my jewelry with 18K gold and sterling silver sheet and wire and incorporate natural gemstones in some pieces. I fabricate my work because I enjoy being in contact with the materials. There is a duality to metal that is quite human: it can be malleable yet brittle, it is hard but can be formed. I bring these qualities to my work by contrasting strong shapes with delicate patterns in 18K and silver. When I am making, the world stops and I am present. My hope is that this feeling extends for generations to come.
The thing that separates my work from others is my focus on hand finishes and subtle details. I like to say that my work isn’t loud until you look at it for a while.

If we knew you growing up, how would we have described you?
I am an introvert, and was drawn to art, books and nature from a young age. I spent most of my time drawing, reading and playing outside when I was little.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.meganclarkjewelry.com
• Instagram: @meganclarkjewelry