Today we’d like to introduce you to Sherry Martine Mackinnon
Hi Sherry Martine, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
I started metalsmithing when my children all left for college; a rebirthing, so to speak. Learning the art keeps me focused on keeping my hands and brain coordinated and busy and earning some extra money helps pay for tuition and student loans.
I am self-taught and have many mentors for which I am grateful!
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
The road has been a little bumpy- being self-taught means you make more mistakes, which generally speaking is fine because I learn from them and have discovered that I have more patience with myself. I regret mostly the loss of time, which is precious as I have a career and work a full schedule.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I really enjoy moving metal using heat, hammers, metal stakes and other tools. There is a lot of satisfaction taking a flat piece of sheet metal or wire and turning into a three-dimensional object. I also enjoy capturing elements of nature; molding a found object and creating a metal piece from it using precious metal clay or molten silver. Finding unique ways to turn something like a fossilized ammonite or an antique coin into wearable art is something I have fun with.
I started this journey making spoon rings from vintage/antique sterling silver and silver-plated spoons. Very few people use this type of flatware anymore because of the care it requires, which is a shame because there were so many beautiful patterns and designs. People derive a great deal of joy and nostalgia from jewelry that they connect with and I have made many rings and pendants from spoons that someone’s grandmother or great-grandmother passed down to them. Seeing someone’s face light up when I create a piece of jewelry out of a family memento is a wonderful thing.
Can you talk to us a bit about the role of luck?
I’m a firm believer that we have a role in creating our own good fortune and feel kindness is key to this. That said, I feel very fortunate to have met so many people who have encouraged me on my journey, and maybe it is luck that have put them in my path.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.spinnersend.net
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/spinnersendfarm/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61558411324274&mibextid=LQQJ4d
Image Credits
Sherry Martine MacKinnon