Featured Artisan: thepassionatepearl
by Jeanne Costello
Please start by telling us a little about yourself and your studio.
I am from France and have been involved in Arts and Crafts my whole life, from Painting on Silk to Porcelain Pottery. I started making Jewelry in Art School and was then employed full time with a Silversmith “Denis” in Biot, on the South of France. I loved working with metal but got really bored with that silver color. Color has always been my forte and foremost in my life. My favorite part of pottery was of course shape, but I got really good at color combinations etc. Today, having my own shop and business, I get to do what I love. I love taking a wire and wrapping it around itself…like in many of my pieces. I also have the advantage of using many color pearls and stones and love combining them together.
If there’s one thing that defines you, what is it?
Passionate, Intense.
Faceted, Red Garnet, Heart, Cluster and Freshwater Pearl, Stone Earrings
What role does your family play in your art?
I come from a Family of Artists and was always encouraged to use my Creativity from a very young age. My Mom was an artist, her brother was a sculptor, many of my 7 siblings are involved in some form of art…Photography, Painting, Stained Glass, Sculpture, Leather Work, Cabinet Maker etc. It runs in our blood and is not going away. My husband is an artist, in our three daughters we have a Graphic Designer, an Interior Designer, a Writer. So I would say that we are mostly right brain people and just very creative.
Where do you live and what is it like?
I have just moved to Freeport, ME in 2011 from the Boston Area and am still adjusting to the change. It’s in the country and beautiful up here. Nature really inspires me.
Where did you learn your medium?
When I worked full time for Denis in Biot France as an apprentice
What are your goals with your ArtFire studio?
To show my work and sell it.
Green Turquoise, Gem Stones, Framed, Sterling Silver, Earrings
How did you come to selling online?
Selling to stores is getting more and more difficult and the want you to send info to them online! I was building a website on my Mac and working with the One on One Apple teachers at the store and the kept telling me about Etsy. I have had a store there for 2 years now.
How did you come to find a home on ArtFire?
I found out about it on my Linkedin Etsy Group
What is the best piece of advice you can give other artists?
Never give up when you look at your inbox and there are no sales. Take that time to make some new designs or stock up supplies
Why do you think that buying and selling handmade products benefits society?
It does because people are sick of generic products and things that don’t last. I think it’s important to make quality products if you want people to buy again. I for example do not believe in Silver or Gold plated products for my business even though it would be so much cheaper to make and sell! I use also real pearls and stones. Today you can buy anything fake for cheap, but I couldn’t imagine selling plastic stones. Many of my suppliers are selling that stuff these days and I hate it. I know people are hurting with this economy and it makes sense, but it just is fake!
