FEATURE ARTIST: Kristine Macdonald
"Hi Cam and Beth,
I can't wait to read more of your blog articles and interviews. I'll paste my responses below and attach a few photos including my first piece and favourite piece."
1. Who are you and what is your background?
I am Kristine MacDonald and I am a metalsmith in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. Not too far from Banff and Jasper in the Rocky Mountains. I mainly make copper and copper enamel jewellery and accessories. Aside from working with copper I also love getting outside, mountain biking, camping in our van and spending time working in my veggie garden.
2. How did you get into copper jewellery and/or art?
Copper definitely started as a hobby for me. I began attending community silversmithing classes back in 2012 and loved learning the jewellery making techniques. I preferred working in copper because it was bit more unique and unusual in jewellery making. Eventually I began to sell my work and it is now my full time job!
3. What was the first piece you ever made? And, how long ago was that?
The first piece I made was a tiny disc of copper with a house, moon and star sawn out of it. I soldered on a squiggly vertical piece to be the star’s tail.
I still have it from almost ten years ago.
4. What is your favourite piece you've ever made and where is it now?
A few years ago I made a very large circular pendant with a tall cabin in a forest of sitka spruce trees above the ocean. It was inspired by the ocean vacations we take in the fall and the treehouse-like cabin we stay in. The pendant has lots of etching all over it to add texture and detail. I had to keep it for myself because I love it so much!
5. What are some notable features of your work?
A lot of my jewellery is inspired by the features, creatures and landscapes of my province. It’s not uncommon to see local politicians wearing my copper necklaces and tie bars that are inspired by the area we live in.
6. What is your favourite item to make?
I love making one-of-a-kind pieces. That’s why I still do custom orders sometimes. It can be risky to try something new because it might now work out, but it’s also the best way to learn and expand your techniques.
7. Where do you see yourself in 5 years time?
Hopefully with a very large workshop on an acreage somewhere! I would love to have a bigger space where I could keep tools more organized and hold workshops for others.
8. Do you have any 'influences' or idols in the art/jewellery world, people that you draw inspiration from? If yes, who?
I think that Sara Dahmen is very skilled and I’ve learned a lot about copper and copper cookware from her book “Copper, Iron and Clay: A Smith’s Journey”. It’s really great to see a woman excelling in a craft generally dominated by men.
9. As we know you are based in Canada, do you ship worldwide? If not, where do you ship to? Can we get your incredible work in Australia?
I can definitely ship to Australia and around the world! It might take a few weeks, but I will make it happen :)
10. Is there anything you would like to say about you, your business, your art, the art world or even a favourite quote?
Copper is such a versatile material and I just love seeing the ideas that other people come up with using copper as their medium! Thanks for sharing!
If you want to keep up with Kristine, her life and her AMAZING copper work, you can follow her Instagram
If you loved this blog and want to learn more about the worldwide copper-smithing community, please reach out to us and tell us who we should interview next. As always, thanks for being here.
- Beth + Cam
