We recently connected with Erika Steele and have shared our conversation below.
Alright, Erika thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us 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?
In 2015 I took my first silversmithing class with a wonderful teacher named John. I went to a small bead shop outside of town where a total of four students learned the basics of the trade. I took this class a total of three times where each time I went I made something new and did intensive note taking. It gave me the basics to start working on pieces at home and implementing what I had learned in Mr. John’s class.
I think if I could have done anything to speed up my learning process it would have been to continue to taking a few more classes while incorporating new techniques. Although I do feel that being self taught allows you to learn through trial and error. It allows you to learn why-not to do certain things which only furthers your knowledge and skills and gives your a stronger skill set in the grand scheme of making and creating.
I think the skills most essential to learning how to silversmith is just a willingness to learn and to have patience. It is a process of steps and once you have those steps down, you really can go anywhere with your pieces and creations!
Erika, 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?
My name is Erika Steele and I am 34 years old. I am originally from Columbus Ohio but moved to the East Coast of Florida when I was 20 years old. I got into silversmithing when I was going through Cognitive Behavior Therapy for a severe anxiety disorder and phobia. Smithing allowed me to challenge myself, get creative, learn to express myself through art, and find validation within myself and my craft.
I love creating one of a kind pieces that are inspired by the outdoors and my time in nature. I work with a variety of stones such as turquoise, white buffalo, agates, moonstone, and more. I hope to fabricate and produce pieces that are future heirlooms for many generations to love and admire.
In the last few years I started teaching a Beginners Smithing Workshop in my area to teach others the basics of the trade and to show people that smithing really is easier than they think! It just takes time and a willingness to learn.
Looking back, are there any resources you wish you knew about earlier in your creative journey?
I really wish I had learned earlier about the Metal Smithing Society. It is a wonderful tool and resource for those who are learning at any level. The site offers a search engine with so much information, tricks, and knowledge! It provides videos, step-by-step tutorials, and so much more. I would highly recommend it for any beginner or person that wants to continue growing their skills within the trade!
What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?
I think the most rewarding aspect of being an artist is that it allows you to produce something that you feel so incredibly proud of. In return, for another person to want to purchase that piece and to wear it is something that is somewhat indescribable. It really is such a rewarding feeling. I feel very proud of the pieces I make and sometimes I feel a swell of emotions when I think about the amount of jewelry that I have made and that people wear. It feels very surreal at times and I feel lucky that I get to share my art with others.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.ErikaSteeleJewelry.com
- Instagram: @ErikaSteeleJewelry
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/ErikaSteeleJewelery
Image Credits
Matteo Norcia