Stop #14 Host Artist: Bryan Nelson

(chainmaille jewelry)

Artist Self-Interview:

Please tell us about yourself:

Born and raised in St. Louis, Mo., U.S. Air Force Viet Nam Veteran,  Manufacturing Engineer for Star Manufacturing (retired in 2012).

Describe your craft?

Learned to make Chainmaille jewelry from my brother in 2005.  I use Sterling Silver, Copper, and 14kgf wire. I also have done wire weaving using those mediums, and I make coin rings using (typically) U.S. coinage.

What drives you to make your craft?

I have always enjoyed working with my hands. Creating a beautiful piece of jewelry out of wire and listening to people exclaim their appreciation of it.

Who or what are your greatest influences?

Encouragement from my wife, Kathe Reed-Nelson.  And I intended to be a shop teacher like my brother.  After the Air Force I finished my degree in Business Administration.

How does living in Tennessee influence and inspire your art?

The Off the Beaten Path Tour is a definite influence.

Beyond your craft, what are your other interests?

I restored two T-Model Fords and a Farmall Cub Tractor.

Anything else you want to share?

No.