Is it just me, or is "the fever" for creating jewelry shared by
all of you who are many years experienced?
Welcome to Orchid, Carol! Great question! It causes us to reflect
upon, and re-examine why we do what we do.
I’d call it a passion. I’m reasonably capable at other forms of
visual art, but nothing moves me the way working with gems and
beautiful metal does. I’m intrigued by the fact that something I’ve
made might be dug up by future archaeologists, thousands of years
from now, relatively unchanged. Other forms of art I’ve created are
much more vulnerable and fleeting.
I love the fact that the gemstones I use are nature’s works of art.
There is something so basic and primal in my love of beautiful stone.
I’ve never done it, but have visions of laying all my gemstones out
and rolling around naked on them! Maybe that’s too much
…
One of the unique characteristics of our chosen form of expression
is that our clients can actually enjoy and interact with our art. It
doesn’t just hang on the wall in the dining room, or sit on a
pedestal in the living room. People take it out, wear it around town,
and show it off to their friends. It makes them feel special, and not
just for a passing moment of covetous ownership.
When I get into a groove, or rhythm at the bench, I am exceedingly
happy and feel quite self-actualized. Its a feeling this is what I am
supposed to be doing, and all is in harmony. Its surprisingly tough
to achieve this state on a regular basis, with myriad
responsibilities and distractions. The satisfaction of actually
creating something tangible is especially gratifying in this society
where people spend their lives in careers shuffling papers,
administrating, computing, customer servicing, etc., and not ever
actually producing anything.
I’m sure there are a lot more facets that contribute to my
compulsion to pursue this dream, contrary to any sane person’s
judgment, but I’ll just call it passion.
All the best,
Dave
Dave Sebaste
Sebaste Studio and
Carolina Artisans’ Gallery
Charlotte, NC (USA)
dave@sebaste.com
http://www.CarolinaArtisans.com