Tell us how you
got started doing what you do. Did you gain formal training? If not, how
did you develop your art?
I started
metalsmithing as a hobby approximately 20 years ago. After taking a couple of
start-up classes at the Edmonton Cultural Centre, I continued to learn and
refine my craft over the years by reading how-to books and articles and watching
how-to videos, but mostly learning by trial and error so I consider myself to
be self taught.
In the mid-90’s, I
left a full time position as an instructor in the Paramedic Program at the
Northern Alberta Institute of Technology in Edmonton to pursue metalsmithing
full time and have since developed my hobby into a successful small business.
Where do you produce your work?
I relocated from
Edmonton to Gabriola Island, BC in 1998 where I produced and sold my jewelry
from my home-based studio/gallery and became an active member of the community
Arts Council. In 2006, I relocated to Chemainus on Vancouver Island and
continue to produce my jewelry to date from my home-based studio/workshop there
as well as participate in local artist events.
What types of materials do you use? Why?
I work with
various metals but primarily focus on creating copper jewelry. I used to work
primarily in sterling silver, but it simply got too expensive. I will still
make a piece in silver if specifically requested; however, working in copper
allows me to keep my work priced affordably for my customers.
What are three items in your shop that
you are particularly proud of?
Many of my handcrafted
jewelry designs are inspired by the nature of West Coast living as showcased in
my heron and crow pieces of which I am most proud. (Click on photos to view in Kent's Etsy shop and to read
descriptions of process involved in making these pieces.)
What goals do you have?
I am constantly
aspiring to learn new methods and techniques including my most recent venture
of flame painting on copper.
What are the tools of your trade?
The tools of my
trade consist of a variety of jewelry-making supplies, findings, hammers, saw
blades and so forth as well as a propane oxygen torch and a small kiln.
What challenges do you face in your work
and what ways have you addressed them?
July 2013, I joined
Etsy.com and set up an on-line shop called Images By Kent Olinger. Being a
seller on Etsy has offered me the opportunity to showcase my work on the World
Wide Web and has helped me overcome my biggest challenge as an artist which was
simply getting my work out there. Etsy has offered me the perfect platform to
do so. My exposure on Etsy has also led to an opportunity to display and promote
my work through the Museum of Northwest Art in La Conner, Washington, as well
as a feature in the upcoming fall/winter edition of Amazing Canadian FashionMagazine.
Have you been in the news or featured
elsewhere?
Past Honors
include: Alberta Government - Commissioned brooch given to Canadian Premiers’
wives at the 17th Premier's Conference - Jasper Alberta, 1996. World Figure
Skating Championship, 1996 - Commissioned limited edition brooch. The National
Gallery of Canada Gift Shop - Commissioned brooch "Stormy Weather"
from Group of Seven painter F.A. Varley, for "Canadian Museums
Selections" catalogue, 1997. Designed and produced lapel pin for Nanaimo,
BC Chamber of Commerce annual Business awards 2000-2005. Designed and produced
"Year of Service Award Pins" for Coastal Community Credit Union
2001-2006.
I also display and
sell my work at the weekly local Chemainus Farmers’ Market, May through
September, and participate in the annual Ladysmith Arts on the Avenue each
August. My work is sold in retail shops in Nanaimo, Victoria and Canmore, as
well as the National Gallery of Canada Gift Shop.
Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/kentolinger/
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