Life & Work with Grey Von Cannon

Today we’d like to introduce you to Grey Von Cannon. 

Hi Grey, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
I have been creating and imagining small worlds full of color since childhood. Art lessons replaced sports teams and my passion for making grew steadily. When I got to college I intended to focus on painting, but I signed up for a metalsmithing and jewelry design course during my freshman year and fell in love with the craft. I took both metalsmithing and painting classes every semester and found ways of combining them and blending the materials. After graduation, I moved to New Orleans and my style became more colorful, quirky, and bold. I drew inspiration from the lush vegetation, colorful homes, and the constant celebrations. I worked several jobs during my time in New Orleans, but maintained my art practice and participated in markets and festivals when I could. I chose to move closer to my folks once the pandemic hit and I landed in Durham where I now work full time as an artist. I have been blown away by the support from the community of makers and small businesses in North Carolina. 

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
There have absolutely been challenges for me. Working multiple jobs and balancing relationships, art-making, and having a vibrant social life in New Orleans was rather exhausting. During quarantine, I realized how much I truly wanted to focus on turning art into my career. Being an artist is not something many people deem a valid career, so I struggled to validate myself and make the leap. I took the risk of quitting my jobs and moving across states to give myself a chance at being a full-time artist. I encounter new issues daily, but I also feel myself growing with every challenge. There is no guidebook on being an artist or being your own boss, so it has been a bit of trial and error. I am surrounded by amazing artists, family, and a partner who supports me in whatever ways they can, which takes a lot of weight off. Being a creative person comes with heavy feelings and loneliness, so having community has been crucial to my success and staying healthy. 

As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
My original paintings are inspired by the human figure and how we interact with the spaces we inhabit. I use my paintings as inspiration to make wearable art in the form of jewelry. I have always felt most at home in my body and create adornments that emphasize my love for comfort and self-expression. Using such fragile materials to combine sturdy yet lightweight pieces of art make my jewelry both easily wearable and dynamic with the body. Molding copper foil around steel structures allows me to intimately engage with each earring before I solidify them with enamel to give the earrings varied textures and a pop of color. My jewelry line also includes simpler pieces formed from brass, steel, and silver that are directly taken from the marks I make in my paintings. Additionally, I make custom one-of-a-kind drawings and paintings for folks to help bring a specific vision to life. 

Every single aspect of my business is hand-made or repurposed and holds some sentimental value. It is important to me that folks receive a thoughtful and personal package when they invest in my work. I am extremely proud of myself for making one-of-a-kind work and creating handmade packaging and displays. It does take more energy and time to work this way, but I always want to prioritize connecting to my pieces and my customers. 

What quality or characteristic do you feel is most important to your success?
Passion is a key component in keeping my art practice afloat. I am constantly learning new mediums which fuels my passion and keeps me driven to make new work. I believe I will always find time to experiment with new materials because I know how crucial it is to my success. Balancing different mediums enables me to maintain excitement and helps me to stave off self-doubt while also avoiding burnout. 

Pricing:

• Jewelry ranges from $20 to $150
• Paintings range from $25 to $2500
• Custom Drawings range from $80 to $200

Contact Info:

• Email: greyvoncannon@gmail.com
• Website: www.greyvoncannon.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/greyvoncan/