Art & Life with Madeline Krivel

Today we’d like to introduce you to Madeline Krivel.

Madeline, please kick things off for us by telling us about yourself and your journey so far.
I’m a local Tucson silversmith appretencing under Lizzi Willis @roadkillgems. My little brother Justin Skylar Krivel passed away tragically from an accidental overdose Valentine’s day 2018. We were only two years apart, so we spent much of our time together growing up. Justin was like lightning, brave, powerful, courageous, fearless, bright, hilarious, and utterly beautiful. Growing up when we would take family vacations, Justin and I always would find a rock to take home as a souvenir. I had collected sterling silver and precious stone jewelry for years growing up in Arizona. It was up until I realized the local community college offered a class, so I picked up the torch and hammer August 2018. I hammer my brother’s initials into every piece as though he’s the maker. The only real difference between us, after all, is he was a man and I a woman. I will never let him be forgotten for it is my duty to honor his memory for as long as I live.

Can you give our readers some background on your art?
I make sterling silver with precious stone jewelry. I use a flame, solder, flux, and the craftsmanship I’ve developed so far through observation, failures, and persistence. What happened to my brother is tragic; it can not be changed. I want people to know my story because grief is a human experience. Tragedy and accidents happen, but I think as a community, we could do more to make sure they happen less. I want to heal Pima County here in Tucson, Arizona. I want people to wear my handmade jewelry and heal with the power of the stones made by mother earth. I want them to feel my grief, my resilience, my hope every time they wear a piece. I want them to remember Justin and the blessing he embodied.

What responsibility, if any, do you think artists have to use their art to help alleviate problems faced by others? Has your art been affected by issues you’ve concerned about?
Art has healed my soul. It has been my therapy. Since my brother passed away, I have not been to a single therapy session just the jeweler’s bench. I think social media allows artists to connect on a more personal level, which I really love. I want people to be healed by my art, and eventually, I’d like to help people suffering from addiction or drug dependence. Even if they aren’t able to stop at least make sure they have the resources they need to use in a safe environment in the hopes of getting clean.

What’s the best way for someone to check out your work and provide support?
You can see my work on my Instagram @jsk.jewelry. You can support my work by purchasing a one of a kind sterling silver piece from my Etsy linked in my Instagram bio.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.etsy.com/shop/JustinSkylarKrivel
• Email: mkrivel26@gmail.com
• Instagram: @jsk.jewelry

Image Credit:
Personal photo – @mama.shoots on Instagram and I’m wearing @sigfus earrings.
The photo of the bride is taken by @lalunephotography on Instagram.

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