Bryan Nelson
Bio
Born and raised in St. Louis, Mo., U.S. Air Force Viet Nam Veteran, Manufacturing Engineer for Star Manufacturing (retired in 2012). A retired manufacturing engineer, I’ve joined my wife, Kathe, in making jewelry 12 years ago.
Describe your art/craft (medium, process, etc).
I learned to make chainmaille from my brother in 2005. I use sterling silver, copper, and 14K gold-filled wire. I also have done wire weaving using those mediums to make woven earrings and necklaces. I make coin rings using (typically) U.S. coinage.
What drives you to make your art/craft?
I have always enjoyed working with my hands. I enjoy 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 art/craft, what are your other interests?
I restored two T-Model Fords and a Farmall Cub Tractor.
