What’s your business name and what do you do?
Shelby Goldsmith, which yes is my real name! I am a metalsmith & jewelry artist, as well as a death doula.
How did you learn your craft?
I attended Maine College of Art, intending to major in photography, and took Metalsmithing 101 as an elective for fun. That semester I ended up spending all of my time in the studio, stubbornly determined to master my struggle with soldering, and neglecting my photography work. I eventually chose Metalsmithing & Jewelry as my major because of that pull, even though I had far less experience or success in it.
What do you enjoy most about what you do?
The making process: sourcing stones, designing, metalsmithing. I love getting lost in a meticulous or meditative process, like sawing out shapes or hand making chain.
What do you enjoy least?
The business side of things: pricing, marketing, selling, bookkeeping.
What’s one thing you wish people knew about your work?
The inspiration behind it. My X motif is derived from the 1932 Scarface. In the film, every time someone gets whacked, a cinematic X motif appears. I’m influenced by Memento Mori (remember death) jewelry, but wanted to subvert the traditional symbolism of skulls. An X is a more versatile symbol, and serves as a departure point from which to design from, as I can endlessly multiply and manipulate the shape.
What’s one artist you look up to?
The Pope of Trash himself... John Waters. I’ve watched all of his films, read all of his books, and seen him perform live twice. I think he is a true artist in the purest sense, and a living breathing work of art himself.
What do you do when you’re not making jewelry?
Making literally anything else! Over the last year I have become obsessed with making pottery. I also love to knit, weave, refinish furniture, and tackling home renovation projects. I have an insatiable appetite for thrifting and antiquing.
Night owl or early bird?
Early bird.
What's your favorite place in Maine?
My house. I’m a homebody.