Ryan Gardner
2nd Place – “Gold Bubble Collection”
Ryan Gardner lives in Pueblo, Colorado and is part of a fascinating group of jewelry artists at The Colorado Center of Metal Arts. It is in this exciting and stimulating environment that he draws energy, ideas and knowledge that inspires some of his jewelry art. Ryan’s main passion is for cutting gemstones and making them an integral part of his designs. He took his passion for gemstones and instead replaced them with gold leaf bubbles, thus, “The Gold Bubble Collection.”
Artist Interview:
Q. How did you come up with the title for this piece?
I wanted to simply show gold bubbles floating in stones.
Q. What/who was your inspiration?
I have been carving bubbles in stones for a while and then I got the idea to apply metal into the carved areas.
Q. How long did it take to make the pieces?
It took me a number of days to create since it is a collection. The main necklace took me 40-50 hours. I have made a number of pieces since then for this collection. Some don’t take much time but others with a large number of stones and carving require much more time to create.
Q. What challenges did you overcome while you were making the collection?
Michael Boyd and I were both playing around with the idea of putting metal into stones. I started to do some research into doing this with metal clay and I didn’t think that would work. I didn’t think the quartz would be able to withstand the temperatures needed to cure the metal clay. And because of the shrinkage that happens in the clay, I was concerned that what was applied wouldn’t stay in. Since metal clay is so expensive I decided to try using gold leaf. The way I pack the leaf into the carved areas creates this beautiful texture in the gold that I really enjoy.
Q. What do you plan to do with the pieces?
Hopefully sell them. I, like everyone, have bills that need to be paid.
Q. Will these pieces inspire other works?
Definitely. I already have added a group of pieces to the collection. I am even doing some gold bubbles carved into amethyst.
Saul Bell Design Award
Q. What did you feel when you learned you’d won?
I was very excited to even be selected as a finalist. I was even more excited when I found out I had won. It is such an honor to be selected.
Q. Whom did you tell first about winning?
My mom! Of course!
Educational and Professional Background
Q. Of all the arts and crafts, why did you choose jewelry?
I actually chose jewelry when I went to college at Bowling Green State University. That is where I discovered jewelry. I was in the arts before then in high school. I studied ceramics and painting and digital graphics. I planned on getting a degree in 3-D graphics. I took a jewelry class for fun thinking at least I would get a couple of gifts out of it. I fell in love with it.
I was introduced to many artists in college, including Michael Boyd, who became an inspiration and mentor for me.
Q. What was the first piece of jewelry you ever made?
A simple silver jump ring chain bracelet.
Q. What was your training/academic background in jewelry-making?
I was lucky enough to study under Tom Muir in college, he is an amazing metalsmith. I then started researching jewelry artists and discovered Michael Boyd’s work and fell in love with it. I was able to actually meet him when he came to my college to give a workshop for the students. When I was close to graduating he invited me to come out to Colorado and do a six-week apprenticeship with him. This turned into a more than 10-year adventure that continues to this day. From the beginning it was always my plan to work for myself. And he was incredibly supportive.
Q. What was the biggest challenge you have faced in your business?
Surviving. Self-employed artists find out that some months are great and some are not. I worked other jobs while starting my business. For the last 10 years I have made a living at jewelry either making jewelry for Michael or myself.
Q. What other awards, honors have you received in your career?
I have received awards in state fairs. I have also been lucky enough to be published in industry periodicals.
Q. What is your definition of “success”?
For me it is being able to work every day doing what I love and make a living at it.
Creative Influences and Environment
Q. What or who do you think has been the strongest influence or inspiration on your work?
Michael Boyd. Definitely. He introduced me to working with stones and viewing them as a medium to go with my jewelry. From him I learned to cut and carve my own stones.
Q. What artist, dead or alive, do you most admire? Why?
Ted Gall is a sculptor who works mainly in bronze. He creates very thought-provoking pieces. They are interesting to view. His smaller sculptures open and reveal hidden areas. His narrative is impressive and what he creates makes you stop and think.
Q. Do you follow long-term trends? If so, why or why not?
I try to but end up never following what they are, such as Pantone colors. Ideally I would like to be a trendsetter, not following other trends. I want to keep my work original.
Q. Is the product or the process more important to you? Why?
The process, definitely. I love the process. I like to experiment with different processes, even when working with one project/process I start thinking about another one and will then move on to the new one.
Q. What is your favorite tool?
The Durston Planishing Hammer. It is a huge hammer, it is not a hand-held hammer. It flattens things. It is just a lot of fun to use and great to work out frustrations!
Q. What metals, gemstones, processes do you enjoy most?
I love working with gold, but it is very expensive. So I work a lot with silver. I love cutting gemstones and making them a part of my work. Being able to cut your own stones really allows you to integrate the stone into the work and not have to design around a stone someone else has cut.
Q. Describe your studio.
Originally Michael and I were in a studio behind his house. Now we work in a separate building that Michael purchased and together we run The Colorado Center of Metal Arts. It is a combination of working studio space and workshop space. At The Colorado Center of Metal Arts we offer classes and workshops. We also have a space for artists to work; a handful of other artists use this space as their place to create. We feed off of each other’s energy. It brought me back to what I enjoyed about college. We learn from each other’s energy and enthusiasm. It is an awesome atmosphere.
Interview by Marlene Richey