Today we’d like to introduce you to Kathleen Care.
Every artist has a unique story. Can you briefly walk us through yours?
I made my first piece of jewelry for my wedding in 2008. I couldn’t find jewelry that perfectly represented what I wanted so I decided to make it myself. I made my necklace, bracelet and designed my ring with the help of a reputable jeweler. For the next 2 years, I made my own jewelry and a few friends wanted me to make some for them. I opened Kathleen Care Jewelry in 2010. My designs are all handmade using high quality metals and stones and my more recent work is with leather.
After College, I started a career in Human Resources. I worked in the corporate world for 20 years. Most creatives say they left the corporate world because they don’t like the 9 to 5 or they don’t like working for someone else. I didn’t mind either one of those things. I was very happy in the corporate world and I am very thankful for my experiences there. I wanted to start this business because I wanted to design and work with my hands. My corporate jobs lacked artistic creativity that I get from the hands-on process of making jewelry.
On a personal note, I am Dallas native, a mother of twin girls and I love to travel. I’ve lived in Dallas for most of my life with a one-year break in Paris France. I love big cities and really enjoy seeing architecture worldwide. I don’t mind the beaches and mountains either.
Please tell us about your art.
Most of my designs have architectural influences. I love clean, minimalist, modern lines with an Art Deco flare. I get a lot of inspiration from Frank Lloyd Wright also. My father is a fan of his work and showed pictures of his houses growing up.
I use 3 different techniques when making jewelry. Wire wrapping, usually involving precious and semi-precious gemstones; metalsmithing, using hammers and soldiering and leather work which includes cut, tooling and dying veg-tanned leather hides.I learned these techniques from workshops, online classes, you tube tutorials and trial and error.
Choosing a creative or artistic path comes with many financial challenges. Any advice for those struggling to focus on their artwork due to financial concerns?
You don’t need everything to be perfect to get started. Start slow, buy minimal supplies and do what you can yourself. Once you start making money, outsource what you can/want but take it slow. All small businesses start slow and most starts are very clunky and “imperfect”. That is okay. Everyone starts this way.
How or where can people see your work? How can people support your work?
My work can be found on my website www.kathleencare.com. I sell retail to customers and wholesale to shops there.
Contact Info:
- Address: Dallas TX
- Website: www.kathleencare.com
- Email: kathleencare@sbcglobal.net
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/kathleencarejewelry
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/kathleencarejewelry
- Other: www.kathleencare.etsy.com
Image Credit:
Kathleen Care took all photos.
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