I was a make up artist for 17 years before I started making jewelry. Began with stringing (didn't almost everyone?), then did a tiny bit of fabrication and then found metal clay.
Have any special hobbies?
As if! Metal clay rules my life. I try to do a bit of knitting now and then and have recently discovered needle felting, which I love - but those are really just side lines.
What is your business name and website address?
Lora Hart Jewels - LoraHart.com or LoraHartJewels.blogspot.com
Your shop address?
LoraHart.Etsy.com
How did you find out about metalclay and then start working with it? How long?
I took a walk in my neighborhood in Santa Monica California circa 2000 and there was a sign in a window that caught my eye. The rest is history.
What drives you to make jewelry?
I love using my small muscle group skills. I loved doing make up, focusing in on details that the camera might not like. I loooove untangling chains. Anything fiddly that occupies my fingertips. And I loooove sparkly, shiny things. I'm a Magpie at heart.
Are you disciplined or do you go with the flow and work when you feel like it?
Discipline? No, no, I'm not into S & M. I'm actually more familiar with Procrastination. It's an unhealthy relationship that I really must end.
Won any awards for your jewelry? for anything else?
I'm not much of an enter-er. So no awards. I've been published a bit though. And used to write for Step By Step Beads. Many years ago I won $25.00 on "Name That Tune". Does that count?
What is your art sensibility - precise or organic?
I'm very precise with my finishing. And corners. And such. Yeah I guess you could say I'm precise.
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When did you feel you had more confidence in your abilities?
Aw, I still lack confidence in my abilities. Sometimes I like what I come up with and sometimes I think I need a bit more practice time. But other folks seem to disagree with me, so what do I know?
What is your favorite tool for working with metalclay?
Love my fingers - finger sanding is my friend; and toothpicks. Great for sooo many things. And I love to etch copper plates for my textures. I like the uneven surface left by the acid. PPP's and stamps are much too precise for me. I like an aged, decaying feel to my work. Like something uncovered on an archeological dig.
Where do you work?
I live in 500 square feet and my studio takes up about 11' x 7' of that. It's within view of my living room, so it has to look presentable. Not to say it's not a mess occasionally.
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What is your favorite thing to make?
I really like to make hollow forms, boxes, constructions of some kind. And I'm very into Slip Printing at the moment.
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Do you ever add commercial components?
Yup. I don't turn up my nose at anything if it works with the piece. I have better things to do with my time than make chain and jump rings. I love found objects too. Even purchased found objects and odd things.
How do you work, and when? (for ex. assembly line or one at a time)
I work on one thing at a time. i like to start with clay in the morning and end up with polished and patinated silver at night. I don't always turn things into an actual piece of jewelry right away, and I do have lots of half finished greenware in a tray on my bench.
Do you have any kind of creative ritual?
No rituals, just toddle over to the studio (mostly in my PJ's) and get to work. I like to get started really early in the morning. A holdover from Make Up days. I get up at around 4:30 or 5:00 in the morning.
How do you hold onto ideas that you don't have time to pursue NOW!
Mmmm... I'm pretty bad about that. I usually forget them.
Do you ever use a sketchbook?
Nope. Wish I could learn to remember to use one. I have a million of 'em, but they're mostly empty.
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Do you teach classes and where?
I teach all over Los Angeles. I'm a new Senior Instructor for PMC Connection, so that's new to the mix.
Do you make a living at it?
Yes, such as it is.
Do you do custom orders?
Never. I have a hard enough time bringing my own visions to life. I'd hate trying to interpret someone else's idea. What happens if you get it wrong? Yikes.
What are you working on currently?
I'm just starting on my path through the Master's Registry, so I'm doing some research at the moment. I do have to pull out the sketch book for this one. Maybe it'll be the start of a new habit.
What's next on your agenda to make?
The thing for the Registry. And samples for classes. Always samples for classes.
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How do you make time for everything you want to do?
I have a solitary life. No hubby, no babies, no doggies. And the cat lives in the closet most of the time. No responsibilities to anyone but myself, my students and my landlord. Very Freeing.
Anything else you'd like to tell us about yourself?
Ummm...I'm not a natural redhead.
Thank you Lora,
It has been a pleasure getting to know you.
1 comment:
Gee I "sound" so silly in print. But it's a really nice interview. Thanks Catherine!
Lora ~
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