Bold jewelry choices do not necessarily mean wearing a very complex and intricate piece. Sometimes simple lines can make the biggest statement. The jewelry of ArtFest at Greenway Station on Saturday, August 1.
Wong answered a few questions over email about her work and art.
The Daily Page: How do you motivate your creativity? (e.g. do you listen to music while you create and if so what?)
Wong: That's a loaded question! I am inspired and motivated by so much around me. Sometimes it is as simple as just being observant of the world around me, like noticing a beautiful arrangement of tangled power lines or finding a rock in my yard with a great surface pattern. Other times I go to my studio and play with raw materials, silver findings and my large collection of Agate beads.
Searching on Etsy is always great too. You see how creative others are and it gets the ball rolling… BAM! The idea comes to you and then it keeps building and changing. Sometimes I start making one idea in metal and my hammer will slip or I might solder something a little off center and before I rework it I sometimes see a whole new idea come to life! It is a beautiful thing when that happens. It has made me really appreciate making mistakes!
Describe your workspace. Are you at the kitchen table or in a dedicated work area?
I have a studio in my basement and my soldering station is in my garage. It is a nicely defined space where I have my computer close by (to check my Etsy site of course!) and a TV so I can have my favorite movies playing in the background while I work. It's a little mess, but I have a hard time keeping things tucked away, especially if they inspire me to create new designs.
What is your favorite piece and why?
That's a tough one. I really enjoy each of my pieces because they feel like little pieces of me. Every time I make something new I feel like I am saying, "Oh, this is it, this is my favorite piece I have ever made," but then I make my next piece and I say the same thing! I do know that I am partial to my wedding set because my husband and I designed it together. That not only makes it unique, but it reminds me of our ultimate collaboration, which is our marriage and life together.
What advice do you have for people interested in starting an online store? How do you make the separation between your store and your day job/personal life?
Well, I am really just getting started, but I have received great advice from my friend who is also an artist, Sarah DeAngelo. She is on Etsy as well. I can pass on the words of wisdom I have received from her: Post new pieces and post often, take good photos, oh and did I mention to post often?!
I think Etsy is a great website, and if you have any type of talent or you love to make art you should start an online store (of course you have to be willing to part with your pieces). My personal advice to you is to not see this solely as an opportunity to make money, but to expose your creations to the world. Personally, it is very liberating and exciting to know that someone across the world might be searching for a "contemporary blue pendant" and my work might show up in the search!
Separation from work and creative life isn't too much of a struggle. I work with jewelry all day at my "real job" at for their quirky and campy items. I love , which used to be Hue gallery. I love to go there with a friend or with my husband, but sometimes I go just by myself just to have tea and some amazing sweets... to sketch and think of new ideas for jewelry designs.
Etsy is an online marketplace whose mission is to "reconnect makers with buyers." These explorations will connect you with the makers in your neighborhood.
