We recently connected with Jessica Pentecost and have shared our conversation below.

Jessica , thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Let’s jump back to the first dollar you earned as a creative? What can you share with us about how it happened?

I nervously posted some of my most recent works on my Facebook page. I was still fairly new to electroforming and a little reluctant to put my work out there. Nearly immediately, people began reacting – likes, loves, and comments began to fill my notifications and my heart. Finally, I saw it! Brandie Rochin doted over my beetle necklace and inquired about how to purchase it. I squealed with delight as I typed my reply explaining our transaction. I hurriedly got it listed in my Etsy shop, and ran to tell her the listing was active. Though I was expecting the sale, I still cried excitedly as my phone let out a “cha-ching” once the transaction was completed. The support and love for my work just solidified that this was what I am supposed to be doing with my talents, and gave me such a confidence boost in my work. I beamed with pride as I carefully packaged my very first sale and hand delivered it to the post office. Then I began listing more items in my shop and growing my skillet even more. From there I ventured into in person events to peddle my wares to more customers. Brandie has remained a customer since the beginning, and each sale is a reminder to continue to grow as an artist, to take pride in my works, and that there is an a phenomenal community of people out there waiting to show their love and support for small artists like myself.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

Hey, y’all! I’m Jessica – your friendly neighborhood electroformer. I am a Nashville native, TSU alumni, and mother to 5 children and 5 critters. I have always enjoyed science, animals, and nature. Ultimately, the combined love of those things is what led me here – to electroforming. After seeing a fellow artists works of electroformed bees on social media in early 2018, I began researching the craft and collecting necessary materials and equipment. I diligently studied the process for over a year before producing any pieces I deemed worthy of a public appearance. I began with just jewelry – necklaces, earrings, and rings mostly. I have since expanded my repertoire to include hair accessories, beer steins, wine glasses, glass pipes, wall hangings, and a variety of other electroformed decor and accessories. My works are fairly niche, and often one of a kind. That coupled with my unique style and outstanding craftsmanship is what sets me apart from others in the market. I bring my customers unusual items that allow them self expression through a wearable extension of themselves. I take pride in using ethically sourced and recycled materials in my works, and hope that brings added enjoyment for the wearers. I continue to learn about my craft, grow my skillet, and experiment with a variety of techniques and applications. I look forward to what the future holds for me as an artist.

For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?

Aside from the uninhibited outlet to creatively express myself through a variety of mediums, I am rewarded the most when others are so touched by my works that they want to bring them home and incorporate them into their lives. It brings me such pride and joy to know that I have the ability to create something with my own hands that resonates with someone else and brings them happiness in some way.

In your view, what can society to do to best support artists, creatives and a thriving creative ecosystem?

Artists are an integral part of society and their works can be found in nearly every aspect of our lives. Aside from purchasing creative works from artists and providing them monetary support to continue their journeys, there are other ways for the community to support artists and their works. You can honestly and publicly review their works or skills if you have previously made purchases. You can follow them on social media platforms and subscribe to their newsletters to keep up with their upcoming projects. You can like and share their social media pages with your family, friends, and coworkers to increase their following, offer a little free marketing, and possibly create clients. You can donate your volunteer hours, unused art supplies, or money to local arts charities whom support artists in a variety of ways. You can attend their galleries and exhibitions to show your support in person. You can offer your own artistic expertise to mentor beginning artists. There are so many ways to get involved and support the arts in your community.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.irisandgem.com
• Instagram: www.instagram.com/irisandgem
• Facebook: www.facebook.com/irisandgem
• Other: www.tiktok.com/irisandgem