We were lucky to catch up with Kristi Lewis recently and have shared our conversation below.
Kristi, appreciate you making time for us and sharing your wisdom with the community. So many of us go through similar pain points throughout our journeys and so hearing about how others overcame obstacles can be helpful. One of those struggles is keeping creativity alive despite all the stresses, challenges and problems we might be dealing with. How do you keep your creativity alive?
Metal smithing is one of those art forms where so many inspirations can be borrowed from history, folklore, natural elements, literature and so much more. Learning about the traditions and evolving techniques of jewelry can help push your creativity and help develop a style of your own. There are so many ways to look back and honor the pieces that came before and imparting your own spin, as humans adorning ourselves goes as far back as 3,000 BC and continues to be a way that we show off our ideology and personal style. Alongside delving into the past, the current landscape and seasons are heavily incorporated in my bigger collections. I just love how the even the metal reacts differently in the Summer + Winter, how Spring brings the chorus of birds that makes you feel like anything is possible, and Fall brings it’s own vibrant landscape. My workshop is not temperature controlled, so these seasons bring such a change for even the space in which I create. The metal clings to cold in the darker months, making each piece take longer to bend to your hammers will, while the Summer the silver seems to seamlessly flow together in the matter of seconds. Being in harmony with the ebb and flow really influences my work and designs that are based around them, and I can’t wait to be knee deep in my upcoming Spring 2024 Collection.
Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?
I am a self taught Metalsmith who makes Sterling Silver jewelry inspired by alchemy, nature and the ebb and flow of the seasons. Recently I have been going through a lot of changes in my art, from recently changing studio locations, renaming and redesigning my business name and look, as well as adding a new made to order line that focuses on classic pieces and talismans cast from wax carvings with all production being done in studio. This year I decided to continue to push myself in my craft and will be learning and incorporating specialty stone setting in my practice, something I have wanted to learn for a long time but was having trouble fully comprehending so I will be attending classes this Summer out of state. Getting to continue to learn new techniques and keep evolving within what I love to do means that working with flame and metal never gets boring, and I am excited to keep adding to my skillset within metal work.
Not only am I hoping to educate myself further. my goal is to add a few more brick and mortars across the country to the list of places that carry my handmade jewelry. I am also stepping back into doing more in person events, as well as trying to do as many collaborate photoshoots as possible! There is something so satisfying in creating a whole body of wearable jewels and corresponding a entire vibe to correlate to it, and can’t wait to add more unique shots to my ever growing lookbook.
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?
I think growing up the way that I did, seeing how hard my Mom worked to try and provide for us really instilled in me a work ethic that no one is going to show up and save you, and if you have a dream to do something your going to have to take a leap of faith in yourself. It does takes such hard work to be your own boss and I think most people underestimate the mental space it takes to be fully committed to creating and selling your work full time. But if you’r resilient that helps you stick to your goals and dreams even when the economy is tanking and the algorithm you depend on is constantly changing. It allows you to see the big picture and continue to push through when things are tough because you have too. Being able to look to future was something I was never very good at (lets be honest my ADHD brain still struggles looking beyond the next 5 minutes) but if I mapped things out and kept more detailed records of my business in general it would of helped me build a better foundation for the last couple of years. I still struggle with most of the back end aspects of “running a business” and started out with no formal knowledge and no computer skills. Asking for help from your community is key to getting a head start on things when your first starting out, and I wish I wasn’t so stubborn when I first launched my business/website to ask for more support in those fields since they area I was, and am still least knowledgable in. Being able to know your strengths and weaknesses and understand sometimes there are skill sets that your not going to master, and thats ok! Don’t be afraid of not knowing everything immediately and allowing people to help you get to where you want to be. Even if your starting a new craft or skill, it takes time to get decent at something, don’t give up!
All the wisdom you’ve shared today is sincerely appreciated. Before we go, can you tell us about the main challenge you are currently facing?
A problem I am facing is one that many artists and creatives are currently experiencing, which is the struggle to afford rent and go to the doctor without health insurance. The rising costs of living coupled with paying out of pocket for covering any medical needs to be addressed. As someone with chronic health issues not having universal health care or access to insurance I can afford makes it super difficult to be able to invest back into my business, when I am paying thousands of dollars for testing and appointments that come from my only source of income, selling my art. Health care should be accessible, affordable and not something tied to having a 9-5 job, or tied to any requirements at all. I love working for myself because with my fluctuating issues somedays I am not able to work, which affords a flexible schedule that allows me to prioritize my physical well being. I just wish that everyone irregardless of their job status or income had equal access to treatment, so we can get the help we need without fear of losing all we worked hard for.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.ruthlessfabrication.com
- Instagram: ruthlessfabrication
Image Credits
High Club Productions
