Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Caitlyn Behnke. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Caitlyn, appreciate you joining us today. Can you talk to us about how you learned to do what you do?
I’ve always liked learning things through the process of trial and error, and that’s exactly how I taught myself jewelry making. It’s taken almost three years to get to the skill level I’m currently at in regards to working with wire and I still feel like I have so much to improve upon. I think taking a class from another local artist could have possibly sped up the learning process, but I couldn’t find any at the time. An essential thing I learned very early on was to adopt your own art identity and style. When you emulate others work, you won’t be as invested in it, and other people can see right through it. However, if your art is a true reflection of you and your brain, you really can’t go wrong. That was my biggest obstacle I had to overcome when learning. I wanted to follow trends, and try stuff that was “easy”. When I let go, and let my MIND take over, I fell in love with my work.
Caitlyn, 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 got into making jewelry, specifically wire work because I was inspired by jewelry I saw in Santa Fe, that was native made with wire and small seed beads. I decided to give wire work a shot and started with making rings. I expanded to other techniques and styles like earrings, necklaces and hair clips. All of my jewelry features genuine crystals and stones that are meant to heal or bring certain things to the wearer, like luck or love. Everyone that wears my jewelry tells me that the confidence they receive when wearing it is unreal, and that’s one of the things I’m most proud of.
Is there something you think non-creatives will struggle to understand about your journey as a creative?
I think many non creative types tend to be closed off to the type of thinking that creatives tend to do, so that’s why they can tend to clash. I only challenge the non creatives to look at something from all angles instead of just head on. Look below and above the surface. When you expand your thinking, you have more inspiration that drives you to create. If you were once a non creative, you can change your mindset and be creative.
For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?
Seeing other people get excited when they see my work, and of course when they decide to purchase. Its more than just a cash transaction for me, because all my jewelry pieces are one of a kind. I don’t recreate styles, so for me it’s beyond the money. It means my art has a place in this world and a place in someone’s life.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.CaitCreatesJewelry.bigcartel.com
- Instagram: IG: @Cait.Creates.Jewelry
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100088458690049