Sunday, August 21, 2011

Summery Artist: Jennifer Kistler Studios

I love Jennifer's simplified jewelry designs! Check out her shop and blog!



About my shop and how I got started:




I have always loved making things. Nature is my favorite subject, I am inspired by its beauty, from horses to flowers to the ocean. Years ago, when I didn't find much horse jewelry I would want to wear, I 
thought it would be great to be able to make jewelry with my own designs. Then I learned about metal clay and realized that would be a great medium to accomplish that. I quickly added other nature theme 
designs, I could not resist! I started my shop on Etsy a few years ago, and now I am working hard to add more items.



How I'm inspired by the ocean/beach:

I love the ocean, a combination of beauty and power. When I was young, I spent three summers in southeast Alaska on my parents' small commercial trolling boat. It was an experience I would never trade! I 
have felt a strong connection to the ocean ever since. The ocean is dynamic, always moving and changing, and can be calm or dangerous. It is so beautiful, and also a great reminder of the humbling power of 
nature. I haven't been on the ocean very much in recent years, but the coast is still a favorite place to visit, whether it's a sandy beach or a rocky viewpoint. Being near the ocean feels peaceful, 
refreshing, exciting, and powerful all at once. I like painting seascapes, and have brought a simple version of a seascape into jewelry design. I hope to add other beach and sea theme designs in the future.



My favorite beach destination:

It's hard to choose a favorite beach. Last year we were able to go to Maui for a week, and it was great to be near the ocean so much, and the beaches there are so beautiful. I really enjoy our local Oregon 
coast beaches, though, even though they are often cool and windy. I welcome a trip to any of the beaches near Lincoln City, Newport or Seaside, and to the Peter Iredale (a wrecked ship on the beach) at 
Fort Stevens State Park near my hometown of Astoria. I like beaches when they aren't crowded with people or activities, where I can just enjoy walking along the sand, and take in the sight, sound, and smell 
of the surf. I also love beachcombing. My favorite find is a small, worn glass float from a rocky beach in Alaska, which I still have.





Jennifer has been kind enough to offer a coupon code for my readers! Enter code SUMMEROCEANFREESHIP for free shipping within the US on her Etsy site!

1 comment: