Daily Inspiration: Meet Laurel Stachon-Mills

Today we’d like to introduce you to Laurel Stachon-Mills. 

Hi Laurel, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
My life as an artist began with creative parents who encouraged creativity at every turn. In 2012 I received my BA of (Metal) Arts from Northern Michigan University located in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. I grew up in a small town on a lake in the UP & will always feel home is North of the bridge. Asymmetry, line, and form found in the natural world has always inspired my work. 

I now call Interlochen, Michigan one of my homes, where I work from my very own studio space to design & make these treasures. Each unique, made with integrity, love & the hope they will be enjoyed & passed on generation to generation. 

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?
Relatively speaking, things have been smooth in my life as an artist. I have been given support and encouragement to keep growing my business and craft as each year moves forward. 

Where I have struggled has been in self-doubt. I have held onto secondary employment throughout my entire education and post-graduate years, never fully committing all of my time to creating art. 

2023 may be the year I let go of my “safety net” of a job and truly see what LAM Jewelry can accomplish. If not though, I am certain I will continue to be a maker, eventually solely doing what I love! 

Thanks – so, what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
L.A.M. jewelry is created using recycled precious metals, copper & a mix of local & worldly stones. Torch, hammer, saw & file are all essential tools used in making each unique treasured jewelry item. Old-world technique meets new-world adornment. 

Have you learned any interesting or important lessons due to the Covid-19 Crisis?
When time permits, make what you know will sell but also what your heart and hands NEED to create. Having so much time allowed me to work different media into my metal fabrication. 

In times of crisis and fear, art is one aspect of health and happiness I can always rely on to get me through. Whether that is supporting my fellow artists in any way possible or sitting down at the bench, the hardships of the Covid-19 pandemic were eased by artistry. 

Contact Info:

• Website: lamhandmadearts.com
• Instagram: @l.a.m.handmadearts
• Facebook: www.facebook.com/l.a.m.handmadearts 

Image Credits
@leigh.ann.cobb.photo
@watassa
@l.a.m.handmadearts