Art & Life with Heather Bamberg

Today we’d like to introduce you to Heather Bamberg.

Heather, please kick things off for us by telling us about yourself and your journey so far.
I grew up in a small town in Northern Arizona, surrounded by trees, vines, and wildlife. Creating art was always part of me, and nature has always been one of my main sources of inspiration.

Through school, I made an effort to experiment with many art mediums: ceramics, illustration, printmaking, photography, and fell in love with making jewelry and working with metal in a project-based class in 2002.

I went on to study Jewelry/Metalsmithing at Northern Arizona University, and am so grateful for my time there! I learned so many techniques, and I was able to really define my style as an artist.

Now my studio is located off the grid, in a shipping container outfitted with solar electric and rainwater harvesting. The beautiful high desert forest provides me with endless inspiration. I love getting back to my rural roots, and being as sustainable as I can with my art.

Can you give our readers some background on your art?
As a Metalsmith and Jewelry Artist, I draw inspiration for my jewelry from the rugged beauty of Northern Arizona. The bright blue skies, rough earth, and sharp plants are represented by simple lines offset with bold textures and genuine gemstones. Each piece of jewelry is handcrafted of recycled precious metals in a solar, off-grid studio. I use a variety of techniques, but the majority of my work is hand fabricated from sheet, wire, and stones. It’s an involved process, and I love every step! Metalsmithing is my passion, and I hope these beautiful jewelry pieces show my dedication to the craft.

What would you recommend to an artist new to the city, or to art, in terms of meeting and connecting with other artists and creatives?
My work experience was always in customer service and very social. The solitude of working in my studio is such a relief for an introvert like me.

I do enjoy being present at special events for the gallery I am in, participating in vendor events, and generally talking about jewelry any chance I get!

If an artist feels lonely in their work, they may want to look into communal studio spaces, or even into taking an art class at the local college. My time in the jewelry Studio at university was so amazing! I met like-minded artists and was so inspired by the amount of creativity in one room. Plus, the added bonus of amazing tools and equipment at my disposal.

What’s the best way for someone to check out your work and provide support?
I exhibit my work on my website TheJewelryShop.com as well as at OTC Muse Gallery in Cottonwood, AZ; Purple Clover Boutique in Prescott; a few different markets and art fairs around the state; and on Instagram, Facebook and Etsy. I am currently seeking a few other Arizona galleries and boutiques to carry my jewelry collection.

Every ‘like’ or comment on social media makes me smile; every order on my website makes me dance! This passion of mine is also my small business, and every sale helps it grow just that little bit more!

Contact Info:

• Website: Www.thejewelryshop.com
• Phone: 928-853-8222
• Email: info@thejewelryshop.com
• Instagram: @the.jewelry.shop
• Facebook: @thejewelryshop.net

  Image Credit:
Heather Bamberg

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