An Artful Transition From Finding the Gold in People to Working With It

07/05/20 • 37 min

From clarinetist to serial entrepreneur to jewelry artist, Shelli Kahl’s life path has been untamable, free spirited and uninhibited. And today, that is very much represented in her jewelry.

Shelli, a California-based artist, began making her jewelry more than 17 years ago, initially because she wanted to make herself rings. But what may have started as a hobby quickly turned to a full-time career.

“I think artists have more than one outlet for creativity during their lives,” Shelli said. “It wasn’t until my mid 30s that I learned how to make jewelry.”

Shelli’s jewelry has an unmistakable look and personality, which she achieves through a unique reticulation process and gold fusion. In this episode of the Celebrating Art Podcast, she talks with host Susan Morrow Potje about what led her to jewelry, the inspiration behind her work, and the excitement that ensued during her first go-round with a blow torch. Listen by clicking the player above.

From clarinetist to serial entrepreneur to jewelry artist, Shelli Kahl’s life path has been untamable, free spirited and uninhibited. And today, that is very much represented in her jewelry.

“I think artists have more than one outlet for creativity during their lives,” Shelli said. “It wasn’t until my mid 30s that I learned how to make jewelry.”

Previous Episode

Capturing Indigenous Cultures Through Extensive Research

James Ayers is a celebrated oil painter based in Scottsdale, Arizona. His works center on historic Native American cultures, pulling from the expertise he’s gained from decades of exploration and research. He honors his subjects by studying their rituals, customs and artifacts, and is dedicated to making sure every last detail is historically accurate. His passion for storytelling through art is why his works are found in museums and treasured private collections throughout the United States.

In this episode of the Celebrating Art Podcast, Susan Morrow Potje and James discuss his time at the Rhode Island Design School and how one school project unexpectedly set the course for his future career as an artist. James also explains his research methods, and how spending time on reservations over the years has informed his work. They also talk about the ways he has evolved as an artist, and why he’s drawn to a free-flowing style right now.