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Artfire Artisan Spotlight: Cindy Landry, Cindysgems
Posted by pauljvguillaume on 07/27/2011 at 08:49:53
Please begin by telling us a little bit about yourself and your studio.
About three years ago I started to buy loose faceted gemstones and just fell in love with them. Looking at them had such a calming effect on me and my collection just grew. Most of the jewelry I create is with natural gemstones, using either sterling silver or gold filled as the metals. When I retire in a little over a year from now, I would like to work more with the wire wrapping and making settings for some of the special faceted gemstones that I have. Just thinking about this makes me happy. On the weekends, I can bead all day, it's hard to explain the feelings you get when something really turns out nicely, also sometimes very hard to part with.
Where do you live and what is it like?
I live in Dayton, Ohio, the city is struggling, and I'm very lucky to live in a nice neighborhood close to my parents, sister and her husband. We're a close family and we support each other, they along with my friends encouraged me to branch out. There was an ad for ArtFire from one of the places I purchase beads from and it got me thinking, so I checked it out, along with a few others. By far, ArtFire has the best products and I'm all about quality. Eventually I want my studio to include every shade of the rainbow in styles that are wearable and affordable to everyone.
Where did you learn your medium?
One day I discovered gemstone beads, I got hooked on them. Yes I'm a gemstone junkie who started making jewelry for myself, friends, and family. I learned by watching a couple of videos, I would look in shops to see how things were made and I started to create my own versions. Crafting has always been a part of my life and this is another extension of that need inside of me to create.
What is the best piece of advice you can give other artists?
My advice for my fellow artisans is to use quality material in your products, along with the best workmanship that you can produce. Be proud of the pieces that you have been created. Hang in there, times are tough for almost everyone I speak with. If we all think positively, pray and hope, things will get better.
