Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Julianne Vickery. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Julianne, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Can you talk to us about how you learned to do what you do?

I first learned how to play with fire in 2008 during a jewelry making class at a community college. I really enjoyed learning how to create various patinas on metal, cut sheet metal and create sculptural objects with mixed metals. I learned the most basic metal smithing skills during this class but did not expand my knowledge until much later because I didn’t see metal smithing as a viable career option.

I am first and foremost a mother, so finding the time and money to dive into this vision required both patience and resourcefulness.

To say that I am self-taught would be an affront to the dozens of teachers I learned from through books, videos, online classes and peers. Although I learned through much trial and error, I simply would not be where I am today without these teachers.

If I had started this journey earlier in life, of course things would have been less complicated in terms of balancing responsibilities and time. But, I do believe that having limited available working hours and capital helps me narrow down the skills and projects I am interested in.

I think the most essential skills required for metal smithing are learning to use a jewelers saw, and learning how to solder. But even if your skills and tool kit are limited, motivation and stubbornness will take you farther than you can imagine!

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

I am a KC based metalsmith. I design and hand craft alternative heirloom quality jewelry. Inspired by shape, color, nature and the intersection of contemporary and ancient design, my jewelry is slow made with attention to detail. I enjoy creating one of a kind custom pieces that are out of the box, but still accessible.

My favorite materials to work with are sterling silver and 14k gold. I love gemstones of all kinds, and collect everything from big bold colorful cabochons to iity bitty brilliant cut sones.

What do you think is the goal or mission that drives your creative journey?

My focus in life is on my family. During this season of raising little kids, my business needs to be flexible and adaptable. My goal is to build a business with the potential to expand over the next 5-10 years and develop new areas of expertise.

I want to build connections within my community and find an audience that resonates with my work.

What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?

The most rewarding experience of being an artist for me is not praise and attention, but when you create something that you truly love. Everyone has an opinion and unsolicited advice on how you could make your work look more like “so-and-so’s”, but the most fulfilling experience for and creative is being proud of something that you put into the world. Often times, it ends up being the most misunderstood or underappreciated work that you put out there.

Contact Info:

• Website: goldenhourskc.com
• Instagram: @gold.en.hours
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/julianne-vickery-7a4923177

Image Credits
portrait image credit: Zach Del Valle