We were lucky to catch up with Dodie Wrocklage-Harp recently and have shared our conversation below.

Dodie , thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Can you talk to us about how you learned to do what you do?

When I was a student in the graphic design program, it was a requirement of the curriculum to take a class in each medium (painting, ceramics, printmaking, metals, etc.) From that first class in metals, I decided to take as many classes I could fit into my schedule as electives. I loved making jewelry and working with metal so much, I almost changed my major! Under the guidance of my advisor, I decided to stay the course, and have continued to take classes with Penland School of Arts and Crafts, Arrowmont School of Arts and Crafts, private instructors, and online institutions since graduation. Through these avenues of continued education, I have learned advanced methods of fabrication and most recently learning the art of lost wax casting.

I’m not sure I would have done anything differently to speed up my learning process, because then it’s not the process, right? The process IS part of the learning. You learn from practice. Mistakes are moments for growth and understanding. Stepping stones to progress.

Dodie , before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

I grew up outside Louisville, Kentucky, and have lived in a few different spots around the state. Traveling around the world and the United States has shaped my love for places and nature, but there’s no place like home. My husband and I built a house on the edge of a nature preserve, Jefferson Memorial Forest, which is touted as the largest municipal forest in the United States. We spend our time raising a garden every year, taking care of shelter animals, and loving on the wildlife around us (feeding birds, raising monarch butterflies, inadvertently feeding deer and rabbits with our garden, etc.). It’s no surprise that close proximity to nature inspires my creativity, in both of my careers as a graphic designer and a jewelry artist. After graduating with a BFA in Graphic Design, I knew I wanted to do design for a cause and I am currently a graphic designer for America’s 30th largest school district. However, my interest in metalsmithing and jewelry had grown alongside the graphic design career. Graphic design and metalsmithing/jewelry design intersect through creativity and craftsmanship. Both involve meticulous attention to detail, a keen sense of aesthetics, and the ability to transform concepts into tangible, visually appealing pieces. The design principles of balance, proportion, and color theory apply to both disciplines. Proficiency in graphic design influences my jewelry work, enhancing the overall design and presentation of my creations. There is another definite common thread that runs through both graphic design and jewelry design—creative problem solving. In graphic design, you navigate challenges when trying to convey messages effectively. Similarly, in metalsmithing, you encounter obstacles while crafting intricate pieces. When I was a child, I loved playing with puzzles, and this childhood hobby has lasted into adulthood through my career! Adept problem-solving skills from graphic design seamlessly transfer to jewelry, contributing to innovative solutions in the hands-on process of metalsmithing. As a jewelry artist and metalsmith, my work is a testament to the delicate beauty of nature and a plea for its preservation. Inspired by the often overlooked elements in the natural world, I strive to capture ephemeral moments in wearable art. Through meticulous processes like fabrication, vitreous enameling, and lost wax casting, I aim to evoke the essence of nature’s subtle wonders. Occasionally, I incorporate actual natural objects, like peach pits, pistachio shells, snake skin, and bark, which adds a tangible connection to the environment. My creations serve as both adornments and reminders, urging appreciation and conservation for the intricate tapestry of life that surrounds us.

Is there mission driving your creative journey?

As both a graphic designer specializing in the branding of school environments and a jewelry artist advocating for the beauty and preservation of the natural world, I am a multifaceted creative. My work in the office advocates for public school students–beautiful, wondrous beings often overlooked by lawmakers and society. My work at the jewelry bench celebrates nature–a beautiful, wondrous world often overlooked by lawmakers and society. My creative journey is driven by a mission to integrate artistic expression with environmental advocacy. My overarching goal is to use my creative talents to contribute meaningfully to both visual communication and the promotion of environmental consciousness.

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

Supporting artists and creatives involves fostering an environment that values and sustains their work. Society can provide more funding for the arts, create accessible spaces for creativity, and promote diverse representations in artistic endeavors. And… buy it! Support your local artists and buy their works!

Contact Info:

• Website: www.dodiejewelry.com
• Instagram: @dodiejewelry
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dodiejewelry
• Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/dodie-wrocklage-harp-8a59858

Image Credits
Headshot Photo credit: Chanel Nicole https://www.chanelnicoleco.com/