We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Randi Steingold a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Randi, thanks for joining 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?
Initially, when I got into creating was purely for enjoyment, without any formal training. However, I discovered a passion for crafting necklaces and found the process to be incredibly fulfilling. As I transitioned into making ceramic products, I applied the skills I had acquired from creating tiles to my jewelry-making endeavors. Despite encountering numerous setbacks along the way, I persevered through trial and error to reach my current level of expertise. Although it can be discouraging when things don’t go as planned, I remain persistent and open-minded. Recently, I began experimenting with acrylic pieces, which required me to approach the creative process with a more holistic perspective. While ceramics offer me a certain degree of flexibility, working with acrylics demands a greater level of foresight. Currently, I am teaching myself the art of metalsmithing, which presents a whole new set of challenges and opportunities for growth.
Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.
I am Randi, the artist and creator behind Gloria Faye. My passion lies in crafting small batch ceramic and acrylic jewelry and wares that are both modern and functional, with a touch of whimsy. Each piece is hand-formed with intention, creating art that can be incorporated into your everyday life. My designs are inspired by an organic mix of geometric shapes and patterns, infused with natural and spiritual influences. My goal is to bring a sense of wonder and inspiration into your world, whether it’s through a pair of earrings that become an extension of your identity or a versatile ceramic ware that enhances your daily rituals.
Many people ask me if Gloria is my name, but the answer is no. Gloria was my grandmother, who loved supporting artists. As a landlord, she would buy candles, bracelets, and other handmade items from them. I named my business after her in honor of her love for the arts. I believe she would have loved my work!
My journey to becoming a jewelry maker began when I started working at Mercury Mosaics. I fell in love with the tiles and the process, and knew that jewelry would be a beautiful medium to work with in ceramics. While some of the same techniques are used, I have adapted them for small jewelry pieces.
I create a wide variety of styles, from classic minimal looks to large statement pieces and even sarcastic studs. My goal is to make my jewelry inclusive for everyone, so there is usually something for every mood and style!
For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?
The most rewarding aspect of my work is witnessing the joy on people’s faces as they explore my work. I love that I can bring small moments of happiness into people’s lives.
Learning and unlearning are both critical parts of growth – can you share a story of a time when you had to unlearn a lesson?
That artist can’t make a living and are “starving artists” is a harmful and outdated stereotype. It is a misconception that artists cannot make a living from their craft. In fact, there are many talented artists and makers who are successfully changing this narrative and proving that being an artist is a legitimate and viable career path. With the rise of online marketplaces and social media platforms, artists now have more opportunities than ever to showcase and sell their work to a global audience. It takes hard work, dedication, and a strong business sense, but it is possible to make a living as an artist.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://gloriafaye.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gloriafayedesign/