Continued from Part One yesterday, here is the final part of our interview with the jewelry designer Kathleen Krucoff.

Do you find the creativeprocess of experimentation frustrating or inspiring?

I have to say that I find it both frustrating and inspiring. Failures are a necessary part of learning and growth; yes that is frustrating, but it is also part of the process.  I do embrace it because I know that making mistakes is inevitable.  That helps us to become better at what we do as artisans. 

Experimentation is inspiring to me because that exploration helps our body of work grow.  I do not want my work to be stagnant.  One of my top priorities is to grow as an artist and a person.  I know this carries through to the art jewelry I design and fabricate.

Can you name another jewelry designer whose work you admire?

Absolutely, Lexi Erickson.  I am honored to be one of her students.  Lexi's work is based on her studies as an Archeologist.  She brings the treasures of the past to life with her contemporary spin on them.  I love her work.  She is a wonderful mentor and teacher.  I think everyone should take a class from her if they have the opportunity.  Better yet, own one of her pieces, I'm happy to say I do!

(Lexi's work is indeed fascinating, and we will be featuring her on The Jewelry Report soon!)

Do you prefer doing retail or trade events? 

I like doing retail events because they allow me to interact with people and get that immediate feedback about my work.  They help me to understand what the public is looking for and get an idea about the next trend.  For me an extra bonus is the interaction helps generate ideas for future designs.  That’s invigorating to me.

What do you have planned for future collections?

Currently I'm working on designs that are more ethereal.  The mystical qualities of the flora and fauna in the movie Avatar have influenced me. I see some aspect of that in my future collections.

I am also working on designs that reflect a more nostalgic look at the Arts and Crafts movement.

If you could have any jewelry super-power to help you with your jewelry what would it be? (Perhaps flame throwing hands to fire your pieces quickly? Mind reading for your customers? Extra arms? :)

I can think of a few, but recently I would I would love to have a jewelry super power that would mend melted bezels.  Just a touch of the finger and the bezel will magically regenerate and grow back together! I guess we all melt our share of them; I just think that would be a really cool jewelry super power.

For more information about Kathleen, visit her website, her metalsmith/art jewelry blog or the studio website that showcases her work and that of her photographer husband.

Feeling social? Catch up with Kathleen on Facebook    or Twitter @KathleenKrucoff

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