We’re looking forward to introducing you to Elizabeth Walton. Check out our conversation below.
Good morning Elizabeth, it’s such a great way to kick off the day – I think our readers will love hearing your stories, experiences and about how you think about life and work. Let’s jump right in? What makes you lose track of time—and find yourself again?
Making art!! Exploring new ideas in metal while working in the studio.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I’m an Asheville native who fell in love with jewelry making at a young age. I sold beaded earrings at my first craft show when I was 8 years old and then went on to earn my BFA in studio art with a concentration in metalsmithing and jewelry design from Appalachian State University. Since then I have been growing my studio practice and have returned to Asheville as a working artist. This adventure has been strongly supported by generous mentors and every day I work in the studio I feel grateful to get to say yes to my studio practice. When I’m not making jewelry, I love river swimming, reading with a cup of coffee, traveling and being in nature.
Appreciate your sharing that. Let’s talk about your life, growing up and some of topics and learnings around that. What’s a moment that really shaped how you see the world?
While earning my BFA at Appalachian State, I took an advanced metalsmithing and jewelry design course with professor Frankie Flood. This class facilitated a self directed project for the entire semester. In the first few weeks I brought an inspiring seedpod I wanted to cast in metal. Professor Flood challenged me to use wire fabrication, a process I deeply enjoy, to capture the essence of the seedpod. By making a metal drawing with wire instead of a direct cast replica I was able to visually note what design elements I found intriguing and important. Through this project I developed a design aesthetic and final object which captured the intricacy of my inspiration in a nuanced personal way. This experience opened my mind to the potential within exploration and feedback to create more personal work. Professor Flood’s suggestion honored what I saw in the seedpod and communicated that my design point of view mattered. He helped me see the values of my perspective and voice.
If you could say one kind thing to your younger self, what would it be?
I would tell her to not underestimate or discount the power of consistently showing up, no matter how much or little she is able to show up with. I have seen consistent effort, large and small, accumulate quickly and meaningfully.
Next, maybe we can discuss some of your foundational philosophies and views? How do you differentiate between fads and real foundational shifts?
As an Art Jeweler, I am often thinking about what makes a timeless design. To me, a timeless design is rooted in bringing to life the artistic visions I cultivate through a life connected to craft. In a society often disconnected from the production of goods and objects, I find the practice of making significantly shifts how I consider the world around me. Handmaking every piece invites me to honor the time it takes to produce an object of meaning and value, and prioritize quality over quantity. It honors the meaning of work and offers a space to think through making. By choosing the lifestyle of a working craft artist, I experience the fulfillment of creating meaningful objects which I share with every observer and collector of my work.
Thank you so much for all of your openness so far. Maybe we can close with a future oriented question. Are you tap dancing to work? Have you been that level of excited at any point in your career? If so, please tell us about those days.
While I may not tap dance to work every day, this year has held several significant career shifts that have filled me with joy and excitement. A significant one has been moving into a new studio space in Asheville, NC. I have my own room in a house like, historical building shared with 11 other artists. The sense of community, professionalism, dedication to our work and opportunity for collaboration, makes me so excited. Getting to work out of this space has me smiling on the way into the studio most mornings!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://redrenjewelry.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/redrenjewelry/?hl=en
- Other: Subscribe to my bi weekly newsletter for the most personal updates about Red Ren Jewelry. https://redrenjewelry.com/pages/about
Image Credits
Bio Photo: Cobalt Collective
Product Photos: Elizabeth Walton
