We were lucky to catch up with Madison or Mads Wright recently and have shared our conversation below.
Alright, Madison or Mads 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?
Learning to work with metal seemed so intimidating but with the help of a wonderful mentor I had a creative and welcoming environment to learn and explore my new world. Melissa Manley, my first teacher, is an incredible metalsmith and I am lucky to still be able to keep in contact with her through the beautiful artist community that exists in Wilmington, NC. Check her our ig: theelkandowl 💖
Learning to smith has truly taught me so much in a physical skill sense and many universal truths. It has truly been a journey of trial and error, exploration, frustration, triumph, and pure joy and expression.
There have been many fails and successes, the key is to not let the failures discourage you. I have learned in my creative space I have to let go of frustrations because solder just won’t flow if you’re angry and the elements don’t want to cooperate if you’re bringing a negative energy to the space of creation.
It’s become easier with a few years, some cuts, burns, cracked gemstones, hammered thumbs and many hours under my belt. But alas the techniques are endless and I’m always reading and watching on new fun ways to level my pieces up and create the visions in my head.
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?
I am a born and raised North Carolina local and when I initially signed up for my first metalsmithing class I was in my final semester of college for my biology degree, a degree I had passionately decided to pursue after working in the veterinary medicine field for years. Prior to about 6 months to me signing up for that class I was certain where life would take me, I was going to do field research and load my van down with my critters and husband and follow the work.
In 2019 I suffered a debilitating back injury that took me out of work for 5 months, and then very part time for many more months.
During this time, my friend and I started a small business. We crafted beaded jewelry and polymer clay pieces. I had always been into the arts, throughout high school and even my first bout of college was heavily art centric. So after this time away from a typical job and obligations I decided that this injury was necessary for my clarity in life.
I was going back to creating. I signed up for Intro to Metalsmithing and never looked back.
One of my favorite aspects of this craft is getting to work directly with small business lapidaries for my gemstones. This allows me to ensure quality and ethical gemstones are used in my pieces.
Sometimes I am working in my studio and I can’t help but laugh and say “water, fire, earth, and air- I am the avatar”! I can’t help but feel the universe lead me to metalsmithing as a way to blend my love of science, nature, and art into the perfect passion. I was able to take my inspiration and love of the natural world around me and translate that to metal and stone. So many adventures and magical places existed in my head that I was finally able to create in a tangible physical way.
Now several years later I’m going into my third year as the owner of Earthed and Enchanted. I create unique mixed metal pieces, with a focus in jewelry. Everyday I am grateful to do what I love and share my craft with people. The artist community I have found myself in has also been an incredible bonus. So truly, do what you love, be your most authentic self, and your people with find you.
What can society do to ensure an environment that’s helpful to artists and creatives?
On an individual basis we can stop supporting cheap, mass manufactured websites, that are often stealing the designs of real artists. Sites such as shein, temu, cider, etc.
These mass manufactured goods create a disconnect and incorrect illusion of what goods, finished product, and art should be worth, not to mention the care and intent that goes into these creations.
Another thing is SHARE. Word of mouth, online, show your friends and family. Go out and give words of encouragement when you see something you appreciate, that truly keeps me going as an artist sometimes!
For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?
Though there are many rewarding parts of creating art, the one that keeps me around is the true pride and joy I have when a piece is complete. After the last swipe with a polishing rag, there is no greater joy It’s a little piece of yourself and your journey and it’s looking back at you.
A second close is when you can truly tell someone resonates and appreciates your work. It is a special feeling to know someone is going to carry a piece of your art with them for many years to come. I truly love the idea that the metal and stones I’m working with can last a lifetime and can become a staple in someone else’s journey and maybe even become something passed down through generations to come.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://earthedandenchanted.etsy.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/earthedandenchanted?igsh=NGhiZjNhN2U4aG1z
Image Credits
Madison Wright Erin Lewis