We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Kris Martinez. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Kris below.

Kris , looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Can you recount a story of an unexpected problem you’ve faced along the way?

There will always be little issues or problems that pop up, especially when getting ready for a big event. It can be something as little as forgetting to bring the straps to hold up my banner to forgetting the display for a particular piece. In the heat of the moment, issues like these can make me feel like the world is going to end, but really, I can easily fix these issues by improvising and moving certain pieces around.

The most unexpected problem that I have faced was the loss of my partner. I didn’t realize how many things he did to help me with my events and to help me keep my sanity. Most of my pieces are between $60 and $400 but Chris (yes, his name was also Chris) put together a selection of $20 and under items that would help bring customers into my booth. I have some cute necklaces and bracelets that I must assemble and because these items sell quickly, Chris would make a large quantity, which would take him a few days to complete. I had no clue how he did so many so quickly. Chris would also make some of my displays for shows, help me carry everything to and from events, as well as helping me set up my booth at events. Chris was a paraplegic and his ability to do so much still amazes me and he did it all without any complaints. After he passed away, I had to figure out how to do everything he did by myself. This meant that I had to ask people for help. My niece put together several of my lower price point items and cleaned all my higher price point pieces. She also helped me at one of my events. I had another friend help me with another event. I have another friend who came down from Ohio to help me with my other events. I have also cut down on the number of events that I do but all these remedies are temporary.

Kris , 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 create and sell Occult & Goth inspired jewelry using Argentium ®️ Silver including wire wrapped pieces, leather collars & cuffs, and Lolita sets.

I started wire wrapping to move my focus to something other than the loss of my younger brother. Wire wrapping requires all my attention because if I am halfway done with a piece and lose focus, it’s likely that I will have to start over, especially if I don’t know where I messed up. I made so many pieces of jewelry, we were running out of room in the house. My boyfriend, Chris, suggested that I try to sell some of my finished pieces. Soon after, Chris’ mom paid for a space at her church’s holiday craft fair, which helped me get out and sell. I don’t think I would have had the courage otherwise.
I’d like potential clients/ followers/fans to know that I create my Argentium® Silver pieces and hand select each gemstone or crystal. All of my pieces, except my Clavicula Nox and Lilith Moon pendants, are one of a kind. I want to create pieces that people can wear anywhere, and the client pass the piece down through generations.
When I make a custom piece, I work with the client every step of the way. I send photos to the client for approval after every step, making sure that the client gets the piece they want.

I have a BS in Human Services Management and I live in Casa Grande, AZ, where up until last year, I lived with my boyfriend of over 26 years and our dog, Shiva. Last year, my boyfriend passed away and earlier this year, I had to put my dog down. It’s been a rough couple of years.

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

I believe that society can best support artists, creatives, and a thriving creative ecosystem through understanding. Understanding that each piece an artist creates contains much more than what is seen. It takes the artist’s time and energy to come up with and design the piece, materials, tools, sourcing suppliers, and much more. If people understood what goes into the final product, they would understand its’ price. My jewelry is my livelihood. It is my job. It is how I contribute to society. Making jewelry isn’t just a hobby for me, it is my business.

What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?

The most rewarding aspect of being an artist is knowing that I created a piece of jewelry with my hands and that someone will (hopefully) want to wear it. I get excited when I get a customer who finds a piece that makes them excited. I never thought that I could create something that someone else felt they had to have. It’s wild!

Contact Info:

• Website: https://slightlytwistedbykris.square.site
• Instagram: @slightlytwistedbykris and @stbk
• Etsy: https://slightlytwistedbkris.etsy.com