Visit Molly’s Studio

Q&A with Molly

1. What is your chosen medium?

Jewelry

2. How did you start your career in art?

Over 35 years ago I was living in England with my first husband and two small children.  It was hard for me to stay at home all day with them, so I took a silversmithing class and a pottery class at a local community college.  After making my first silver ring, I was hooked!  However, I hated the pottery.  Now, ironically, I’m married to a potter!

3. What informs your art?

I find a technique that I enjoy making and then I find a way to create a meaningful body of work using that technique(s). For example, when I first moved to WNC from Florida to follow my dream of becoming a full-time jeweler, I created a line of work which reflected how I was feeling.  I called it “Jumping for Joy.”  Another line a created was my Pebble Jewelry line.  I love working with pebbles.  Right now I’m creating a COVID-19art line which keeps me motivated and occupied.  

4. What jobs you have worked other than as a professional artist?

When I lived in England (for 10 years), I worked as a secretary for an ad agency and a waitress.  After moving to the States, I worked for various companies as an administrative assistant and then doing computer graphics for an art museum.  I also co-owned and ran an art gallery in Flat Rock, NC for 16 years.  I was always making jewelry on the side and teaching it to others.  I knew one day I would fulfill my dream of becoming a full-time jewelry artist.

 5. What questions do you ask yourself when starting to work?

What shall I make this time that feeds my soul?

6. Do you have a quote that’s important to you displayed in your studio?  If so, what is it?  

“I’ve learned that when I slow down and take my time I finish sooner, waste less materials, make fewer mistakes, make nicer pieces and have more fun.”  A student

7. Which artist (living or not) would you most like to invite for dinner? What would you serve?

Tim McCreight, a jeweler I greatly admire.  I’d serve him salmon pasta and roasted asparagus, my ultimate comfort meal.

8.  What has been your most unusual request for your art?

I had to set someone’s dead dog’s tooth in a sterling silver bezel.  It turned out great (after I got it all cleared up)!

9. What music are you listening to these days?

Any musicals.  Currently I’m listening to Mama Mia: Here We Go Again a lot.  And always 60’s music (showing my age!)

10. What is on your nightstand?

Where the Crawdads Sing by Delia Owens.