Life & Work with Julie Gilbert Weeks

Today we’d like to introduce you to Julie Gilbert Weeks.

Hi Julie, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
“Originally from Texas, I was inspired by a “craft-oriented” Mom. Initially, I worked with sewing at age 7, then crocheting and counting cross stitch. I developed an interest in creating distinctive wire wrap custom jewelry when I made a set for my daughter to wear to prom and a necklace for my son and his girlfriend. Relocation to Arizona in 2009 brought the opportunity to enhance my design capabilities through the teaching of local, national, and international jewelry artists. In 2014 built my studio, and I began to work with metal.”

“One of my artist friends described my work as “Southwest Boho.” Sometimes my work is mildly contemporary or even a bit organic. Working primarily with Argentium© sterling silver, I occasionally incorporate other metals such as silver, gold, titanium, copper, and jewelers’ brass for accent or embellishment. I love making jewelry with movement. Many of my pieces will have hinges and jump ring suspensions for movement. Consistently attending workshops ensures continuous growth for my work.”

We all face challenges, but looking back, would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Often things do not go as planned. I have had many disappointments, such as degrading a piece to an unusable state in the last 95% of building it. As time progressed in my jewelry creation, I learned to accept what didn’t go as planned and rejoice in the “happy accidents.”

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
In my first career as a cosmetologist, I was fortunate to see a wide range of growth in the beauty industry. It was always so fun and exciting. My creative endeavors brought me to what I do today when I had a less regimented life. I love working with a type of sterling silver that not everyone is familiar with or enjoys working with, Argentium Silver. In my opinion, it is a higher grade of sterling silver. Its chemical properties allow me to create in ways similar to yet still unlike traditional sterling silver. I am most proud of the relationships I’ve built in the galleries I show my work. I truly enjoy my artist friends and associates.

I am currently working on discovering my own distinctive style with silver and gemstones. Check out my progress in my social media posts and in the galleries listed below.

How do you define success?
The definition of success for me is feeling satisfied and having joy from what I do daily, manufacturing jewelry. I enjoy the process of building an item of wearable art that will, at some point, bring another person joy.

Contact Info:

• Website: juliegilbertjewelry.com
• Instagram: @juliegilbertjewelry
• Facebook: Julie Gilbert Jewelry

Image Credits
Joseph Saadah Head Shot pic