Jeri Bartley (also known as Jeri Bella) works full time at Earth Fare as a Produce Dept. category support specialist but on her down time she always manages to fit in her passion to metal smith. I first met Jerri at Farm Girl’s Halloween Bazaar last October. We were both showing our art right across from each other at this event and started talking. Not only does her jewelry kick ass but her personality does as well! I decided to interview Jeri as my first pick for the beginning of this blog because she was the first artist I met when I moved here and she left a lasting impression on me.
Amanda: How did you go about making jewelry?
Jeri: Every once in a while my mom mails me something I made when I was in my single digits & I think “wow I really have always made artsy things!” But the first rock necklace I made I was probably 7 (I’m pretty sure the yarn gave my mom neck burn, haha woops sorry Mom!). I’ve been through a lot of phases with creating & art things but I don’t think I’ve ever felt so at home as I do with a big anvil & my favorite spot at the table with torches at Earthspeak Arts. (http://www.earthspeakarts.com/)
Amanda: What is your inspiration?
Jeri: The materials, for the most part have been my inspiration. I find rocks, scrap copper, sometimes silver or brass & it seems to guide me in the transformation process. I love seeing what i can make out of them & getting them to people who will enjoy them! (otherwise I would be hoarding some crazy amount of jewelry!)
Amanda: What is your goal for the future in this field?
Jeri: Hopefully in the future I can do it full time! I would love to be able to create full time & travel to see all the awesome craft shows I know I’m constantly missing!
Amanda: What is the first word that comes to mind at this moment?
Jeri: METAL!
Amanda: What are some of your favorite pieces?
Jeri: The nails I’ve been making into rings & pendants have been my favorite, each time I found some of those copper nails I thought I’d never find them again but then I would!
Amanda: Where can you find your pieces for sale?
Jeri: I have my own etsy shop!
I will say though…I think a lot of my favorite pieces have found their “forever” homes already! Or they are hanging out/showing off at Elementality in the Asheville Mall, the Dry Good shop on Haywood St. or Diamond Thieves in West Asheville. I know my pieces are in good hands there…or they are still on my work bench! Just almost finished!!
So, 40 hour a week day job plus 50 mile a day commute plus being a single parent to a tween boy = sometimes things go a little longer than they should (Like why am I not listing more items? Still working on getting more hours in the day..) Although I have been sleeping a little more lately but apparently it really helps me think & function better so I’m trying it… for now. My metal smith passion just won’t be pushed aside by a daily life!
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