Story & Lesson Highlights with Vanessa Barcus of Lakewood/Wheat Ridge

We’re looking forward to introducing you to Vanessa Barcus. Check out our conversation below.

Hi Vanessa, thank you so much for taking time out of your busy day to share your story, experiences and insights with our readers. Let’s jump right in with an interesting one: What is a normal day like for you right now?
Because I wear a lot of hats as a small business owner and artist, my day is usually split between computer-based tasks like answering emails, working on sales outreach, fulfilling orders, and doing marketing, and then towards the 2nd half of the day I get to play at the bench making jewelry. It can be a real mind twist to transition between all of those roles each day!

Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I hand-make sculptural, statement-making, modernist-yet-ancient fine jewelry in recycled 14k gold. It’s magical jewelry in the truest sense of the word – hence the name, Talisman Fine Jewelry. The collection was started back when I owned a store in Denver that sold a lot of fine jewelry in addition to clothing. Eventually it made sense to start our own line, and then when I finally closed the store in 2018, I took over metalsmithing and made it my own creation.

At the moment I’m working on finishing the Fall 2025 collection, which is bringing in new natural materials in ways I’ve never done before. It’s an ode to the way nature heals and supports us. There’s also a bit of color coming this season. I couldn’t be more excited to release it to the public, so stay tuned!

Appreciate your sharing that. Let’s talk about your life, growing up and some of topics and learnings around that. Who were you before the world told you who you had to be?
I have an interesting relationship with the word “artist.” When I was really young, I created all day… drawings, collage, dance, sculpture and various things. I remember those projects more than any sport I ever played. As I got a little older, I somehow got the idea that if you’re not the best at realistic drawing or painting, then you’re not “an artist.” That title was reserved only for the best representational illustrators in the class, and that was certainly not me. It took me about 37 years to realize that we’re all artists, in our own way, if we choose to see it that way. We all have our own form of creativity and style to offer, even if it means you’re an “outsider” in the fine arts world. So now I choose to own that title more and more.

What did suffering teach you that success never could?
When I went through a debilitating gym accident, I was forced to learn to listen to my body before anything else; to stop overriding it’s signals and red flags, as I had done for years. I learned how important it is to ground in with a meditation each morning, and to treat myself well, with care and respect. Because health is wealth, and if we aren’t feeling good then we’re not going to be able to make good work in the first place. I’ve learned that being present, grounded and authentically myself is my superpower.

Alright, so if you are open to it, let’s explore some philosophical questions that touch on your values and worldview. Where are smart people getting it totally wrong today?
I think we all tend to forget at times that the journey is the destination. For so much of the first part of my life, I was always striving for something – for the next achievement, the next move, the next thing. I wasn’t present a whole lot. Now, there’s nothing wrong with striving per se, but I think as I’ve aged I’ve gained a greater perspective that life is indeed what happens between the “big moments” and milestones too. It’s the everyday things. Petting your dog, or sitting with a friend you love. So try and be present for that and appreciate those moments too, if you can.

Before we go, we’d love to hear your thoughts on some longer-run, legacy type questions. When do you feel most at peace?
When I’m creating in the studio, without time constraints, and without expectation for what I’m going to make – I let the work speak through me, and just play and have fun. Having fun making a piece is truly the best way to make something phenomenal.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://talismanfinejewelry.co/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/talismanfinejewelry/
• Other: https://www.pinterest.com/TalismanFineJewelry/

  https://www.tiktok.com/@talisman.fine.jewelry

Image Credits
Vanessa Barcus image courtesy of Mare Amor/Queer Joy Photo, Talisman images thanks to Matt Nager.