One of my favorite creative people will be joining us again at this year's SoNo Fest, Colleen Townend. Colleen's work is extremely personal and artistic. When I compliment women in the neighborhood on their jewelry they often tell me it's one of Colleen's pieces. Stop by her booth this year and I promise you won't leave without buying something!
1. What prompted you to start your business?
I have been making jewelry from the loads of treasures I would find at rummage sales and junk shops since I can remember. I would make pieces and wear them or gift friends and family but never thought of selling my work. About 10 years ago, I was encouraged by friends to have a show in my home and see what happens. I was petrified but did it and it was such a success I had an "aha" moment. Since then, I have become immersed in the local artist community in San Diego and have done more shows than I can count.
2. Where do you find inspiration for your work?
My work space is filled with things I love, jars of antique baubles, wall hooks dripping with strands of vintage rhinestones and beads, photos of loved ones and kids artwork, it's like a shrine for inspiration.Sometimes I'm inspired by the wardrobe in a movie or the architecture of a building, music, family, friends and
definitely nature. More than anything,scouring through dusty forgotten about treasures in antique stores and junk shops, estate sales and flea markets.I tend to develop an attachment to the vintage pieces and as I'm working with them I start to narrate a story in my head about who the piece may have belonged to and the history of the piece comes alive for me.
3. What is one essential for your work space?
It's hard to narrow it down to one thing, how about 3? Good lighting and tools are a must and my guilty pleasure is the tiny t.v. in the corner of my desk that keeps me company when I'm cranking out pieces getting ready for a show.
4. What is the best part about owning your own business?
Working from home allows me to stay involved with family while having the creative outlet I need to keep me sane. I get to do what I'm passionate about and connect with other like minded creatives regularly, I'm so thankful for that.
1 comment:
Colleen has great artistic vision and talent. I know when I see her working on something, her creativity and flawless craftsmanship shows in each piece she designs. Her creative attention to detail is what sets her work apart from the others. I often run into people wearing her jewelry asking me "when is she having her next show??"
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