Peyton Rogers
1st Place – “Yellow Mergeurite”
Peyton Rogers was just honored with her second SBDA win in the category of Emerging Artist 18 years or younger! This is an amazing accomplishment for a jewelry artist who is just stepping into this art form. Her winning necklace “Mergeurite” is beautifully designed and crafted meticulously.
Artist Interview:
Q. How did you come up with the title?
I take a lot of trips overseas. My mother and I were just visiting Anne Hathaway’s house (Shakespeare’s wife) with all its flowers. I wanted to try to recreate some of my memories from that trip.
Q. What/who was your inspiration?
I always draw from nature.
Q. How long did it take to make the piece?
It took me a little over two months. The center prong setting was not commercially available, so I learned to make one myself. I purchased the stone from India.
Q. What challenges did you overcome while you were making it?
The big challenge was setting the stone which is a 20mm x 20mm cushion-cut stone and to make a basket for it. Friends helped me to do the work I needed to do. Kenneth and Ariele Seleske.
Q. What do you plan to do with the piece?
I will keep it in the family for sentimental reasons. It is nickel silver.
Q. Will this piece inspire other work?
Yes. It has really inspired my portfolio for college. I am accepted to Texas A&M for next fall.
Saul Bell Design Award
Q. What did you feel when you learned you’d won?
I was astonished. After I got off the phone I couldn’t believe I received first place.
Q. Whom did you tell first about winning?
My jewelry teacher, Cheryl Evans-Rogers, and Ruby Santamaria who also won a SBDA. My dad didn’t get to learn about it until I got home that evening.
Educational and Professional Background
Q. Of all the arts and crafts why did you choose jewelry?
Because I am terrible at drawing, I had to find another outlet for my creativity. I love how I create 3D pieces. I have fun with the art form.
Q. What was the first piece of jewelry you ever made?
Our teacher had us start by carving wax. I made a silver ring which was cast.
Q. What was your training/academic background in jewelry-making?
It has been in high school starting my freshman year.
Q. What was the biggest challenge you have faced in your jewelry?
It is a lack of knowledge. There are so many issues and challenges I have to solve and I need to have more information and skills.
Q. What is the best advice you received?
People have told me to cut the piece out of card stock first before I make it in metal. To make sure it works.
Q. What other awards, honors have you received in your career?
SBDA 2018. I have gone to State for Visual Arts Scholastics Events (V.A.S.E) four years in a row, won Gold Seal, and I received 1st and 4th place in the Fort Worth Stock Show & Rodeo Art Competition.
Q. What is your definition of “success”?
To be able to influence other people with their work. I made a six-layer ring and it inspired another student in my class to make a ring based on the concept of my work.
Creative Influences and Environment
Q. What or who do you think has been the strongest influence or inspiration on your work?
My teacher, Mrs. Evans and also Ruby Santamaria, my classmate. Ruby and I share our ideas, thoughts and suggestions about each other’s pieces.
Q. What artist dead or alive do you most admire? Why?
My grandfather, Dale Evans, who makes knives and hatchets. And he is teaching me some of his techniques and processes.
Q. Do you follow long term trends? If so, why or why not? What trend/s?
I hate trends. I try to avoid trends at all costs. Even when it comes to my fashion. Anything can be brought back from the past, it all depends on who is wearing it and how it is presented.
Q. Is the product or the process more important to you? Why?
Both are equally important. Without a good process you aren’t going to have a good product.
Q. What is your favorite tool?
The buffers at school even though I get cut by them on a daily basis. They make everything shine so brightly.
Q. What metals, gemstones, processes do you enjoy most?
I enjoy silver the most because I am highly allergic to nickel, brass, and copper (base metals). I am told to wear gloves when working with other metals.
Q. Describe your studio.
Our studio at school was two classrooms initially, but they took away part of one room and now we are on top of each other. We do create everything in this space including glass. We wish we had the other side still available.
Interview by Marlene Richey