The idea of creation and what it means to be human — if that just gave you Greek Mythology or the Myth of Creation vibes, fear not. This is not a philosophy or a history lesson. When I create a piece of jewelry, I think about emotion — I try to question my deepest desires. Things that have a meaning to me in one context or another. Every piece I design and make has a story and is deeply personal.
At some point, I wanted to be a lawyer or an engineer. It seemed like everyone else was doing it. As you have learned, I am neither a lawyer nor an engineer.
What I actually want
I have thought a million times about my career — about the impact I wish to have. How do I maximize that impact and continue my journey as a creator? I have had to dig deep about what I want, what my desires are and what is expected of me. I am not great at doing things for the sake of making other people happy. Why not spend my limited time using the skills I have or the talents I am gifted with, instead of burying them somewhere in the backyard?
I find myself deeply invested in my jewelry work and business. Is it scary every day? Sure, I am scared of all the same things you are — what if I am not doing enough? What if I lose creativity? What if I do become a starving artist? I have accepted my feelings. They are valid, but they do not define me nor shall they stop me from living my life.
A sense of possibility
I learned from a very young age to fear very little. I would walk around everywhere consumed in my environment, pick fresh fruit from exotic trees, go to my grandmother's house on a horse, and drink fresh milk from cows I sometimes milked myself. I do not find pleasure in putting walls up for myself. Who am I to say what is possible or impossible?
One of my favorite myths from Greek Mythology is where the Greek gods are jealous of human beings because humans get to experience the pleasure or agony of knowing they have a limited time. Emotions and experiences are not eternal, but they are more intense. So this is how I prioritize my goals: am I creating or finding meaning to the world around me?
The relationship between my brain and my hands, and getting to touch some of the most impressive creations in the world — is a feeling I can never forget.
Nelly and a Cacti in Joshua Tree, California — Photo c/o Kang-Chun Cheng