Check Out Kathleen Krucoff’s Story

Today we’d like to introduce you to Kathleen Krucoff.

Hi Kathleen, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
My mom saw something in me when it came to being artistic. I believe she recognized my potential and encouraged me. She enrolled me in art classes outside of the art taught in school. She really helped me get started.

I have always enjoyed working with my hands. Being creative is a way of life for me. From the time I picked up a crayon to this time in my life, I have loved the process of making. During the summer after 8th grade, I learned to sew and I know it taught me important lessons in the fabrication process. Putting things together in the right order is essential, not only when making a garment, but when I’m creating a piece of jewelry.

Everything I’ve studied, from stained glass, to watercolor, crocheting to macrame, playing the piano to metalsmithing, all of it has fueled my creativity. I have found the importance of exploring new avenues that allow me to consider alternative designs. Asking “What if?” brings about new ideas.

I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
I think the hardest part for me was in 2020 after the pandemic broke out. I had left corporate to pursue being an artist full time. All of a sudden, everything was closed. I looked for new ways to make my work available. Rebuilding my website. Expanding my social media presence. I was fortunate to be able to diversify and find new venues where my work sold.

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
My focus for the past 18 years has been metalwork. I started making jewelry with the goal of creating unique pieces of personal adornment. Metal has become my canvas.

Chasing and Repousse is my favorite way to create because it gives me so much freedom to move metal into a variety of shapes. I love making cuffs because they really showcase the design and the technique I used to create them.

In many ways I feel like I’m still finding my voice. Like many artists, I’m inspired by nature. The beauty of Colorado skies, coupled with the rugged mountains, is where many ideas start. I’m continuously amazed by the intricacies I find examining leaves, pine cones, flower petals, and blades of grass. Some may journey to far away places to find themselves. I feel fortunate to be able to step out my back door and find a wealth of wonders.

A little over a year ago, I discovered a centuries-old Japanese wax called Mitsuro Hikime. Its organic textures drew me in and as a result I’ve just begun casting. It has opened up a whole new world for me.

Are there any books, apps, podcasts or blogs that help you do your best?
Continual growth is extremely important to me.

Every morning I meditate and pray using the Bible app. That sets the tone for my day.

I am a firm believer in investing in myself. Currently I am taking a series of online workshops with Tonya Davidson. Those workshops have expanded my skills, along with the vision for what I create.

Music creates an atmosphere to help me focus so I absolutely love Spotify. I have so many playlists to match how I’m feeling or how I want to feel. Not a day goes by that I’m not captivated by music.

Some of my favorite books are “Still, The Art of Noticing” by Mary Jo Hoffman, “The Way of the Wild Flower” by Ruth Chou Simons, and “The Art of Wax” by Elsa Tierney.

A couple of my favorite podcasts are “Jewellery Talks at the Bench” and “Slowmade Podcast”. It’s very helpful to hear others discuss their journey.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.kathleenkrucoff.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kathleen.krucoff.jewelry/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KathleenKrucoffArtJewelry

Image Credits
Daniel Krucoff