Meet Kathryn Stanko

We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Kathryn Stanko a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Kathryn, so good to have you with us today. We’ve always been impressed with folks who have a very clear sense of purpose and so maybe we can jump right in and talk about how you found your purpose?
Finding my purpose was a journey that took me through some difficult, frustrating times and failures, trying to be someone I was not, and someone I believed others expected me to be.

Among other roles in my life as a wife and mother, I also spent several years getting a master’s degree so that I could teach. This involved many evening classes, studying, and student teaching. I believed that being a teacher would finally make my life perfect. While I loved being a student myself, I hardly lasted 3 years as a teacher. At that time, I felt an overwhelming and profound sense of failure and disbelief that teaching simply would not work out for me. It was at this point that I turned back to something that always brought me peace and joy, and that was my art, This time, however, it was in the form of jewelry.

Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?
Over the past 15 years, I have created collections of handwoven precious metal wire jewelry that I have named MetaLace. I see my work as order out of chaos, beauty out of brokenness, as I organize and fashion wire into works of order, shape, beauty and purpose! I use traditional fiber art techniques such as sewing, knitting, and weaving to create non-traditional works of wearable art.

https://www.MetaLace.net

I started out with the idea of a bangle bracelet that I made out of wire from a hardware store, and that was my first creation. My work has evolved into dozens of pieces that include bracelets, necklaces, pendants, earrings and rings made out of sterling silver, gold filled, rose gold filled, copper, and oxidized wire, I make each and every piece myself, one at a time, in this time consuming process, and so I consider each an original work of studio art.

You can see a video tour of my studio on YouTube under Kathryn Stanko. Part one shows my larger works, and Part two focuses on jewelry.

I started out at one art gallery in Pittsburgh that a friend introduced me to, and slowly grew my business through trial and error, while listening to others who had followed a similar path. I learned a lot about working with people, working with gallery owners and staff, keeping accurate records, pricing, and working on my art every day, to be prepared for the next order or opportunity.

My work is sold in art galleries, museum shops and boutiques. I also do trunk shows at galleries, shops and museums.

I belong to 2 art societies and sometime submit larger woven works for juried exhibitions. However, I have to stay focused on jewelry, and keeping up my inventory, as that is my main source of artistic income.

My hope is that my art brings joy to the people who wear it and to those who give it as gifts.

There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
Determination, a strong work ethic, and faith are 3 qualities that I think work together for our success in whatever we do.

For me, faith is a motivating and governing value that impacts all that I do. I am intrigued when people tell me, oh, I am not creative. I believe we are all creative, no matter what work we do. It is my heartfelt belief that as we are made in God’s image, we all carry that creativity within us. When we are operating in our purpose and in our work, I believe that people can touch the hand of God when they come in contact with us, our work, and our product.

I enjoy speaking with people who are interested in starting an art business like I did. Besides the hard work, there are certain things that are helpful such as, taking your idea and creating it into a sellable product; having that product made and ready to show; having enough of that product ready to show and to sell; having that product properly priced so that if you are wholesaling it, it can be resold at a markup and you can still make a profit yourself as well as the business who will be selling it. Good professional quality photography is an absolute must. Having a catalogue, even a simple one, available online as well as in print if possible makes it easier for a business to review your work.

What is the number one obstacle or challenge you are currently facing and what are you doing to try to resolve or overcome this challenge?
Because MetaLace is art jewelry, it does best in art settings where it is appreciated as art. I constantly look for new venues because over time, galleries and businesses are sold, owners retire, or events that are out of our control happen, like the pandemic! Wholesale trade shows have become more expensive to exhibit at and many stores are now buying products on wholesale platforms as opposed to in person. This has become a challenge for both artisans like me and businesses who buy. It’s been a continual learning process!

Contact Info:

Image Credits
I own all of the images shown.

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