Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Sherry MacKinnon. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Sherry, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today What’s the kindest thing anyone has ever done for you?
When I started this journey as a self-taught metalsmith, I was nervous about asking questions of people who went to college to earn a degree in the art. I was afraid that they would see me as an interloper and an amateur. What I discovered was that there is a very large and helpful community of artists out there who are more than willing to help beginners out. Kind and helpful people define this community and have really helped me build self-confidence as a metalsmith.
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 started working with metal mid-life without any formal training, with a desire to learn how to move metal with torch and hammer; an age-old alchemy turning base metals into wearable bits of magic.
I have always enjoyed making things. I think this is a common refrain heard from most artists starting from childhood. Making “potions” out of water and natural materials, fairy houses for the “wee folk” who live in the woods, glue and paint and paper…. I grew up with the privilege of having the freedom to use my imagination. This also speaks to my inner magpie-“ooooh- Shiny!”
As an adult, love of the natural world set me on a career path in natural resource management as a wildlife ecologist, after earning degrees in Ecology and Conservation Biology. For the past 25 years, I have lived in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan, raised a family, and had a small hobby farm. As change is constant in the natural world and in human lives, our 3 children grew up and headed off to college. A piece of advice I picked up being faced with the proverbial empty nest was to immerse yourself in learning something new; do something you have always wanted to do and do it fearlessly.
Recycled copper, silver, and bronze are my favorite base metals to work with, paired with native stones from Michigan including Lake Superior Agate, Isle Royale Greenstone, Mohawkite, and native copper matrix stones. Moss agate, blue kyanite, turquoise and other semi-precious gemstones from around the planet I purchase from women owned small businesses- Sistersmiths! A slightly more niche market is working with vintage and antique flatware. Many people have family heirloom silverware that they no longer use, and I turn them into rings, bracelets and necklaces. It is satisfying to up-cycle these hidden beauties and turn them into wearable art each with a unique backstory.
Is there a particular goal or mission driving your creative journey?
I have multiple goals: I plan to retire in a few years, and this fills my bucket! Also, to help my children pay for college expenses / college loans, and to put a little beauty and magic out into the world. My studio brings me a great sense of well-being and peace- a small place I have carved out just for me.
For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?
Learning! One of the disadvantages AND advantages of not having formal training is that you make a lot of mistakes- but I find that I’m not being overly critical and having more patience with myself. There is an amazing community of metalsmiths and jewelry makers that are very helpful and go out of their way to explain what works for them. My favorite mentor is 20 years my junior and I love her to pieces. I’m excited to try new techniques and I’m taking my first ever workshops this coming year- one in enameling and the other in “Forest Floor” silversmithing from one of my favorite artists.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @spinnersendfarm
Image Credits
All photos are taken by me.