An Inspired Chat with Jeff Fulkerson

We recently had the chance to connect with Jeff Fulkerson and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Jeff, thank you so much for taking time out of your busy day to share your story, experiences and insights with our readers. Let’s jump right in with an interesting one: What do you think others are secretly struggling with—but never say?
I think as artists (and a lot of other people!) we struggle with imposter syndrome. As artists, we worry that our work isn’t right or good enough. As people, we worry that people will call us out as a fake, and we would collapse under our own guilt.

Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
God made me to make things. I started building models when I was 5, started making jewelry at 16 by reading a book. I make Art Jewelry. I like making things you don’t find at the mall. I like things that are a little funky, I call it coloring outside the lines without scribbling.

Thanks for sharing that. Would love to go back in time and hear about how your past might have impacted who you are today. What breaks the bonds between people—and what restores them?
I think fear separates people. We can be so afraid of losing something, either physically, emotionally or financially, that we steer clear of others. I think understanding closes that gap. Most of us want the same things out of life, and when we can see each other as fellow travelers on the same road, we can restore the unity that we’ve lost.

What fear has held you back the most in your life?
I didn’t always understand it as fear, but I was very distrustful – I didn’t trust anyone. As I’ve grown (matured?) I realize it was fear that made me keep people at arm’s length.

I think our readers would appreciate hearing more about your values and what you think matters in life and career, etc. So our next question is along those lines. What would your closest friends say really matters to you?
My faith in God and my family.

Okay, so let’s keep going with one more question that means a lot to us: Are you doing what you were born to do—or what you were told to do?
For years I did what I was told to do, and for years I did what I thought I had to do. Now I’m doing what I was created to do – make things!

Contact Info:

Image Credits
All photos by Jeff Fulkerson

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