Kathe Reed-Nelson
Bio
I grew up in Nashville and raised my two daughters in the Priest Lake area. I worked for Gibson Guitar for 7 years in the Engineering Department. I moved to Smithville in 1989 and worked as an Engineering Secretary for 18 years. I was inspired to try my hand at jewelry making while on vacation at a street festival in Texas. The first beads I purchased were African Trade Beads. I thought they were beautiful historic artifacts that would inspire me to make them into something beautiful. That started my 31-year quest to find the most beautiful stones I could find. It eventually took me to Tucson, AZ which is the Gemstone Center of the US. every February. Making stone jewelry is now my calling.
Describe your art/craft (medium, process, etc).
I took basic silver classes at Appalachian Center. Along with natural stones and freshwater pearls, I use sterling silver, 14Kgf, antiques copper, and brass, I find handling the gemstones inspires my creative juices. I try to only make 2-3 pieces in a particular stone at a time, which helps me keep the lines original and different with each item I make. I already had a vision when I signed up for my first workshop in silver at the Appalachian Center back in the mid 90’s. I needed a good foundation in working with natural stones and silver. It took me a while to find what form my jewelry making would take. In class I learned how to solder, set stones, and design jewelry. However, my vision took me in another direction. I was not so much about setting pendants, but working with the already prepared stones. Lapidary was not my love, but finding the perfect pattern in stones and turning them into wearable art.
What drives you to make your art/craft?
I love the textures and colors in natural stones. They inspire me to see what I can create using natures gemstones.
Who or what are your greatest influences?
I find my customers love the stories about the exotic places where the stones originate. Which in turn inspires me to learn more about my stones. Inspiring young people to see what they can create with their own hands is my idea of fun. I have worked with many young people over the years, teaching them the basics of working with silver wire.
How does living in Tennessee influence and inspire your art?
Middle Tennessee has a vibrant art community. My husband and I have a long history of showing our jewelry at craft shows around Tennessee. At one time we would do between 15 and 20 craft shows a year (while also working full time).
Beyond your art/craft, what are your other interests?
Traveling in our 5th wheel camper. We have traveled from Tennessee to Tucson, Oregon, Wyoming, Montana, and up the East Coast to Massachusetts. We often stop at National Parks and military battlefields.
Anything else you want to share?
Once we took the Off the Beaten Path Tour ourselves, we were so inspired by the colorful locations and talented artists involved that we wanted to be part of the tour group too. That was in 2007. We have been involved ever since. We love this group of down to earth people!
