With a strong affinity to the natural world around her, Jackie Schmitt presents her line of silver accessories. See her work at the Hollywood showcase on Thursday, September 2nd at Cinespace! 

How did you first get started making accessories? 
I’ve been fascinated and intrigued by art as far back as I can remember! Some of my earliest creative works were hours spent with crayons in coloring books, which led to doodling, then decoupage projects that my Mother and Grandmother would fight over, and pasting magazine cutouts with my fathers’ rubber cement from his printing job to rocks (I can still smell the scent)! Later I would compose jewelry, design a cloth doll, make attempts at writing books, enjoy tole painting and working with polymer clay. I’ve experienced many adventures with my creativity, but found my true passion when I worked with sterling silver after 2004. I knew with my very first piece, that this was a medium that I would continue for the rest of my life.

Tell us about your accessories line.
At the risk of sounding typical, each and every piece I create truly comes from my heart. I put every cell of my being - mind, body and soul - into that moment of making my vision or feeling tangible. I enjoy making Beach Baby pendants, Big Beach Baby pendants, Ripped Edge Tags, and a variety of jewelry works. I think all of them have a natural, laid-back, easy-going, peaceful aura about them. I also create works outside of the jewelry line to include miniature landscape portraits, windchimes, candle snuffers and sculptural pieces.

From where do you draw inspiration for your work?
I would have to say my biggest inspiration is my own emotion. That being said, I also find nature, history, music, the weather, my children, people, events and even various artworks inspirational.

What sort of individual do you have in mind when designing? 
The Blue Jeans guy or girl! As silly as it may sound, I fantasize about seeing Cher on her Harley with a flipped up collar on her short leather jacket and wearing a chain filled with Jackie Schmitt Originals! I tend to lean toward musicians when I think of my pieces being worn.

From start to finish, explain your process.
My process is definitely unpredictable! It’s primarily untamed and without discipline. It starts with a spurt of energy that seems to have an anxiety about it. It’s the anxiety that screams “CREATE," then I just begin. Whatever materials are calling me is the direction I go. This could be a particular lapidary material, sterling wire to twist and shape, or silver sheets to cut, hammer or burn. I simply follow my instinct and let it develop moment by moment. I definitely work in tangents, as most extremists do.

What do you love most about what you do?
I love watching the fire on the torch, I love watching the silver reconfigure, I love watching a stone come alive with color, I love when my works make another smile, I love the tranquility. I really love almost every facet of it. It easier to say I am uncomfortable with the “business” side, the camera doesn’t seem to want to be my friend for online venues and I have a real fear of face-to-face interaction. That being said, I absolutely love every facet of creating.

What sort of techniques do you most like working with? 
Reticulation is definitely a favorite and I get a kick out of my overlay technique. I also love the surprise in making a LookSee which is a conglomerate of silver pieces melded together.

Why showcase at RAW? 
When I was contacted I got such a wonderful sense of “Good People”! The vibe seemed right and I haven’t been disappointed in the slightest. A positive, helpful and energetic personality seems to be alive and well at RAW which is so refreshing. Not to mention the online website with an array of interesting artists. 

Any previous shows/accomplishments that you are most proud of? 
This is actually my first show and I am so proud to be a part of it. As for accomplishments I do have those which I take pride in, and certainly parts of my life that I don’t take pride in. I want to celebrate today, this moment, and all its wonder.

I want to give thanks to RAW, my fellow participants and great gratitude to those that attended. Thank you to all!