Today we’d like to introduce you to Jennifer Rier.
Hi Jennifer, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
One of my favorite ways to relax is to stroll beaches, enjoying the sounds of the water lapping, the warm breeze on my face, and looking for treasures ~ items that lakes and oceans have cast away. I began by simply collecting sea glass years ago. Something about these pieces of glass drew me in, the history and mystery of each piece. Where had this piece of glass been? What had it been in its original form? How old is this piece? After a while, I looked at my collection and thought “What am I going to do with these beautiful pieces?” Leaving them sit in a jar or bowl didn’t seem to do them justice. So, I began creating jewelry. Along the way, I also began collecting fossils and unique stones (the upper peninsula of Michigan has many variations of stones and agates, especially, as well as horn coral fossils).
I really enjoy the creative process of designing a piece, and I feel an immense sense of satisfaction when a piece is complete. My style is somewhat eclectic ~ I put together whatever design strikes me at the moment. Just like in life, I tend to enjoy opposing styles depending on my mood, and I believe this shows in my designs. I enjoy working with leather and stone (for a more casual look and feel), to silver and sea glass (for a more classic look and feel). Because of this, my work tends to be different from other artists, as I never know for sure what designs will come to me.
My hope is that I am able to share with you ~ through my creations ~ a bit of the pleasure that I obtain from finding these treasures and creating beautiful pieces from them.
As for photography, I enjoy taking photographs that share what I felt when I took the photo, as well as inspiring others. Taking photographs is something that I have enjoyed and done since I was small – single-digit age. I had a Polaroid as well as some 110 film cameras, moving into 35mm and medium format as I progressed. I also have a few digital cameras. However, I’m not a big fan of talking about what gear a person has – it doesn’t define the photography. I’ve had people ask what camera I’ve used because they really enjoyed a photograph, and I tell them it doesn’t matter what the gear is – sure, a sharp lens will definitely help with technically correct photographs, but that isn’t what has the vision – it’s the person behind the image, not the gear. I would much rather talk about the images, what was felt, or the reason someone was drawn to it.
I just love to create.
Besides making jewelry and photographs, I enjoy Zentangle (the art of drawing one stroke at a time, cooking (I have a food page that I’d like to expand someday here: https://www.facebook.com/people/Culinary-Wine-and-Drink-Adventures/100064820795827/, foraging, have gone geocaching, and am just getting back into running!
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey has been a fairly smooth road?
Obstacles are always present. I’d say that it’s tough going for artists and the self-employed (which is why I still have a day job at this point 😀 )
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
For my jewelry, I collect beach/sea glass, stones, and fossils from the beach and create jewelry with them. I think that I have a unique vision, and I’m proud of the fact that I’m self-taught and continue to grow, learn, and be inspired.
For my photography, I sometimes photograph things that others may overlook or is considered quirky. Anything that catches my eye is a potential photograph!
Is there anyone you’d like to thank or give credit to?
I haven’t really had mentors, so to speak. I mostly pull my inspiration from others or nature.
Pricing:
- Jewelry: It varies depending on the piece. most are between $25 and $100
- Photography: It varies, depending on the item being ordered. It can range from a few dollars (for a postcard, for example), to several hundred for a matted and framed image.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/giftsfromsea/?hl=en
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JRierPhotography/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/giftsfromthesea
- Youtube: https://www.instagram.com/jrierphoto/?hl=en
- SoundCloud: https://twitter.com/JRierPhotograph
- Other: jrier.redbubble.com http://www.blurb.com/user/jrier https://www.etsy.com/shop/jrier
