Interview with Clarity Collins

Clarity Collins -- Scrollwork Designs on Etsy

What I love about Clarity's work is her experimentation with different techniques and genres. Her newest items, like her Mermaid necklace and especially her Medusa bracelet (my personal favorite) are definitely setting her apart from the crowd.

How did you get interested in metalsmithing
I didn’t even know it was CALLED metalsmithing when I first picked up a torch, I was just determined to do something more than wirewrapping and this is where it took me.

Do you get more excited about the design or technical aspects of jewelry?
Both! I love a good design but the design isn’t complete until it’s realized in the finished piece, so the technical aspect is part of the design process in my mind.

Do you find the process of experimentation frustrating or inspiring?
Depends on the day, lol. When I try something I wasn’t sure I could do and succeed I’m on top of the world, when I try and fail ….well, ‘Beware the Crabby Tadpole’ as my son likes to say

What part of your work do you most enjoy?
Construction. Putting the pieces together is my favorite part, it’s like playing with the world’s coolest legos.

What part of your work do you find the hardest?
Finishing. Definitely finishing, although I’m not a huge fan of sawing either. I don’t like the slow parts!

What technique do you wish you knew or want to learn?
So many stone setting techniques…flush settings, graver settings, better prong settings. And casting eventually of course. And Makume-gane, and  PMC, and….oh I could go on and on!

Where do you get/find your inspiration?
Sitting silently with a sketchbook is when I find my designs, but inspiration seems to come from every aspect of my life. Beauty is always right there waiting if you’ll only take the time to look for it.

What are your 3 (or 2 or 1) most favorite items in your store right now?
*The three photos in this interview are what Clarity said were her faves!

Name a metalsmith whose work you admire? (NOT a team member)
This is hard because when I find a metalsmith who’s work I admire I usually invite them to the team, lol, but here’s one of my recent faves:
http://www.etsy.com/shop/KaelinDesign

What is the best advice you have received?
I’m trying to think of all sorts of life lessons and what keeps coming to mind is “polish all your pieces before you put them together”. I think this is great advice for metalsmithing, marketing, and day-to-day life. Finish each step before you attempt to put it all together because the time spent in prep-work determines the quality of the outcome.

Clarity's FB Fanpage: Scrollwork Designs

Give Clarity some love. We're all here to learn and grow and all input is welcomed! Visit her Etsy shop: ScrollworkDesigns