PDX Profile: Vicky Wilson
Submitted by crafty-admin on October 14, 2008 - 5:25pm.
DIY Alert Blog | PDX Profiles
This week, we're talking with Vicky Wilson about her metal art jewelry. You can get a glimpse of her work at her website, and if you're interested in learning some metal techniques yourself, contact her for information about her classes.
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How did you come to be a jewelry artist?
Almost five years ago, I had to have emergency open heart surgery. When I came out of the surgery I found a hidden part of me that I did not know existed, my creative side. I attended several very knowledgeable classes, and got to work creating my jewelry.
What kinds of things inspire your designs?
I am inspired by nature, the ocean, the coast that I love - and then, I can just be driving down the road and something will catch my eye, and I will have to pull over and sketch it. (Like the corner of the Kinko's building on 23rd).
What are the qualities of metal that you enjoy working with most?
I use a variety of metals in my work, silver, copper, brass, and sometimes found objects, and sometimes a special stone.
How do you define the difference between "Art" and "Craft?"
I call each piece of jewelry that I make a miniature sculpture, and no two pieces are alike. All of my pieces are completely made by hand. I consider this a wonderful expression of art, versus gluing popsicle sticks together to make a house.
What are some of your favorite creative spots in Portland?
My favorite spots in Portland that inspire me are the large, neat-shaped buildings downtown, or the trim on some other buildings. But again, I have to say that nature and the ocean inspire me, and the way the wind shapes the trees at the coast so that they look like they are always sideways.
In August, I was accepted to teach a week long class for the Creative Art Community at the wonderful Menucha Retreat and Conference Center in Corbett. I also teach metal jewelry classes in my studio: the first class is called Introduction to Metal Jewelry Making, and the second class is called Advanced Metal Jewelry.
I love to teach my classes and watch each student blossom with creativity. My goal is to encourage all students to find thier creative side!
