Today we’d like to introduce you to Catherine Vest.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Catherine. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
I have been drawn to the design of jewelry ever since I was a child. I created my first business called “Bead Trade” when I was in grade school, organizing a way for my friends to create unique charm bracelets that could be traded out in pieces as friendships grew. My metalsmithing studies began in high school and continued in college, with now seven years of metal concentration under my belt.
I base my work on tokens of memories and happiness. I value family and friends, along with the moments we share. The ability to carry tokens of these memories with me at all times has helped me face life’s challenges. In my business, I have found that many people share this ideology of personifying our jewelry.
I’m lucky enough to have parents that are devoted to helping me succeed and supporting me as I get my feet wet in this industry. Due to COVID-19 hitting at this crucial time in my career, it has been challenging, but with my family’s support, I hope to be able to continue developing my business past the arts fairs that have supported me thus far and into a potentially-thriving online business.
Has it been a smooth road?
I have had many struggles and complications! I had a competition piece caught, and almost destroyed, in a buffer just before the deadline. Due to increased workloads from school and jewelry making, it caused my stress levels to overwhelm the fun of my projects at the time. However, the most memorable and proudest jewelry was forged from blood, sweat, and tears.
My biggest struggle is finding the best sources for my motivation; “where should my motivation come from,” is a question that comes to mind. For the first two years of my Bachelor of Fine Arts, I hit an artist’s block where I couldn’t even feel pride in my work. Since then, I learned that the best tool for dealing with a lack of inspiration is to spend more time with friends and family. Much of my work is centered on mementos of these shared memories; therefore, returning to that mindset and motivation, even for a moment, helps bring that inspiration back.
We’d love to hear more about your business.
I specialize in making stylish, well-made contemporary jewelry comfortable enough to even be worn every day. People typically buy jewelry for a special reason to symbolize their affection that can be shown physically on their person. Finding that balance between occasion and everyday-wear can be challenging, but I feel I have been mostly successful. Examples of a few of my works have included: a ring for a bride as a token of love, a graduation ring for a token of personal success, and a charm as a memento of a special day.
How do you think the industry will change over the next decade?
As of right now, my jewelry is displayed in “A Creative Art Studio,” a gallery space in Denton, Texas. In the next year, I plan to attend graduate school for a Master’s in Studio Arts in Metalsmithing and Education.
My big dream is to teach my values, knowledge, and techniques to others that are inspired to be jewelers and artists (as well as the average Joe’s). But no matter what, I’ll continue making jewelry. You should do what you love.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.catvestportfolio.com
- Email: catherine.vest.jewelry@gmail.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/catherine.vest.jewelry/
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