We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Amanda Hunt. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Amanda below.

Amanda , looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. How did you learn to do what you do? Knowing what you know now, what could you have done to speed up your learning process? What skills do you think were most essential? What obstacles stood in the way of learning more?

I started taking metalsmithing classes about 15 years ago. I wanted a new hobby that was both artistic and allowed me to work with my hands. When I started taking jewelry classes, I knew right away it was for me. I loved every aspect of the process, and the knowledge and attention to the skills required to make these little pieces of art. I took classes wherever I could find them and apprenticed with a seasoned metalsmith in San Francisco. The process of learning the craft of jewelry is quick initially and then it becomes a lifelong process of honing specific skills. Even after 15 years I still consider myself a student of the craft.

Amanda , love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

I am an artist and metalsmith with my own eponymous line of jewelry. I was a dancer from a young age and spent the beginning of my professional life as a performer, so art and creating art has been a consistent part of my life. Being a dancer is synonymous with narrative, a means of conveying stories and facilitating the expression of others. I find that I still engage in this narrative, albeit now through the transformative medium of metal.

Crafting jewelry is a delicate balance between art and technique, a perpetual dance between the two realms to give birth to a singular, beautiful piece. The technical skills required for metalsmithing are extensive and acquired through dedicated learning, yet the true artistry lies in the subtle nuances that infuse life into each creation.

I derive immense joy from collaborating with clients who share an appreciation for handmade jewelry and artisanal craftsmanship. I hold a firm belief in the profound connection between metal and memories, convinced that the energy invested by a jeweler’s hands imparts a unique quality to each piece. In a world where machines often dominate production, I advocate for the special resonance that handmade items bring to the wearer. Investing in handmade jewelry is not just acquiring an accessory; it is a homage to oneself, an acknowledgment of one’s narrative, and a conscious embrace of the Earth’s resources.

What can society do to ensure an environment that’s helpful to artists and creatives?

Buy their work! Consciously choosing your purchases and placing value on the craftsmanship behind them marks the initial steps toward truly supporting artists and creatives. Engaging with a small creative business may involve a more extended production period and a slightly higher price point, but it signifies a dedication to sustainability, meticulous craftsmanship, and superior product quality. Leaning into the principle of “less is more” and making mindful consumer choices over mass production.

We’d love to hear the story of how you built up your social media audience?

Social media can be a tricky place. To cultivate and nurture a community, consistent presence is crucial. However, maintaining a clear creative mind demands restraint in time spent on these platforms—a perpetual balancing act.

My journey involved patiently building an audience organically, allowing a community to evolve gradually. While this approach may take longer, the resulting engagement feels more genuine and committed. My advice is to approach social media with intentionality: plan your content deliberately, designate a specific day each week for this task, create meaningful posts, and actively engage with those who share their thoughts. Then, grant yourself the freedom to step away for a few days, immersing yourself in the work that fuels your creativity. This deliberate ebb and flow helps foster a sustainable relationship with social media, and allows for both community growth and the preservation of a focused creative mindset.

Contact Info:

• Website: amandahuntjewelry.com
• Instagram: @amandahuntjewelry

Image Credits
Hannah Franco