Today we’d like to introduce you to Sue VanDame.
Hi Sue, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
I lived in Santa Fe, NM for over 20 years. While I was there, I was fortunate enough to stumble into a metalsmithing class at Santa Fe Community College. I had absolutely no experience in metalsmithing but I knew I loved jewelry. My good forune continued by having an incredible instructor who allowed me to customize my assignments to demonstrate techniques instead of doing a specific project.
My husband and I had a small gallery in the artist community of Madrid, NM so I had the perfect venue to explore my new found passion. The Southwest has left an indelible stamp on my work, both texturally and in the colors I use in my jewelry.
I have lived in the Grand Rapids area for the past 15 years and my palette has changed a bit to reflect the lushness of our forests and the temperaments of our bodies of water. But the Southwest influence is never too far behind.
My pieces are all handmade and all one of a kind. I work in sterling and bronze and I include natural stones and beads in my pieces.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Art is rarely a smooth road. My biggest challenge has been moving to Michigan and realizing that customers who prefer unique, handcrafted jewelry varies wildly from location to location. It is always hard to compete with mass produced pieces. If folks are shopping for the least expensive pair of earrings it will not be a handmade pair. While I was able to make a decent living with my jewelry in New Mexico that has proven to be unrealistic here in the Grand Rapids area.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I make handcrafted, hand forged one of a kind jewelry. I use natural stones and naturally colored beads for accents. My jewelry is very wearable and designs change all the time. That’ keeps folks coming back because they never know what I will have!
What has been the most important lesson you’ve learned along your journey?
I am one of those artists that has to create. I have to pound on metal. I have to play with the torch. I love texture on metal. I love combining different colors. The idea in my head rarely comes out like the end product but that’s half the fun! Persistence is the key, don’t give up. Even if you have taken a break from your craft, it’s always there waiting for you.
Pricing:
- Earrings range in price from $36-$50
- Necklaces range in price from $65-$200
Contact Info:
- Website: https://lonesomedovey.com
- Instagram: @suevandamejewelry
