Art & Life with Sofie Albertsen

Today we’d like to introduce you to Sofie Albertsen.

Sofie, please kick things off for us by telling us about yourself and your journey so far.
Born in Denmark, and moved to Arizona in 1997. I was very young when I found my passion for jewelry. When I turned 14, my mom sent me to a jeweler friend of hers in northern Jylland. I stayed with him for a week and learned how to solder and polish silver.

A few days later, I started boarding school, and for our year-long project, I created my first jewelry collection, in the basement. I’ve been making jewelry ever since, I’ve studied with masters, and indulged in many techniques. Fabricating, beadwork, enamel, casting, chain making, and my favorite these days, engraving. For the past nine years, I have a store in Tucson, MAST. With my fantastic partners Tasha Bundy and Mellow Dawn.

Can you give our readers some background on your art?
I have a big love of old things. Antiques and old-world techniques are probably my biggest inspiration for my jewelry.

I strive to make jewelry that will be around for generations, heirlooms. Often incorporate vintage glass and metal from a century ago. For example, the history of the beads of the nomad necklace, they were manufactured 1890 – 1920 around Czechoslovakia/Bohemia, then traded to Africa in the 40’s. Finding these tiny beads hundred years later in Arizona was such an inspiration. Working with things that already have a history, and now creating a new one feels pretty fantastic.

Artists rarely, if ever pursue art for the money. Nonetheless, we all have bills and responsibilities and many aspiring artists are discouraged from pursuing art due to financial reasons. Any advice or thoughts you’d like to share with prospective artists?
Don’t be afraid to make mistakes, remember to make pieces outside your comfort zone. Slow down and spend all the time you need when you’re in new territory.

What’s the best way for someone to check out your work and provide support?
I have most my things at MAST, Tucson, AZ. You can see most current collections on Instagram. Also have a few collections at Phoenix general store, in midtown Phoenix phxgeneral.com. October and November 2018, a few collections will be featured in the Tucson Museum of Art gift shop.

Contact Info:

• Address: MAST 100 S Avenida del Convento 85645 Tucson, AZ
• Website: Ilovemast.com
• Email: info@ilovemast.com
• Instagram: Sofie_albertsen
• Facebook: Ilovemast.com

Image Credit:
Rob Howard, Sofie Albertsen

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