There is a tide in the affairs of men.
Which, taken at the flood, leads on to fortune;
Omitted, all the voyage of their life
Is bound in shallows and in miseries.
On such a full sea are we now afloat,
And we must take the current when it serves,
Or lose our ventures.
Julius Caesar Act 4, scene 3, 218–224
Is it ever too early in the morning for Shakespeare? This has been one of my favorites as I prepare to step into 2017 and remain open to all of the wonderful opportunities that the universe is presenting.
I have been experiencing a great deal of movement over the past few weeks, both creatively and geographically, with my move from Austin to New York City. I’m attempting everyday to journal and to read quotes that help feed my passion and calm my soul. I’ve always been one to love and embrace stability and feel at peace with a stable ground below. This past year, I traded stability for a fluid movement and it’s been one of the hardest and most rewarding experiences of my life.
My new engagement ring line sits in sketchbooks all around me as I type and I have a flutter of emotions when I think about these beautiful pieces coming to life. As an artist, my work gives me bravery and stillness that is difficult for me to articulate.
I often wonder if this is how a mother feels awaiting the birth of her child. You have excitement, anticipation, love and fear. As each emotion floats up to the surface, I’ve learned to witness and honor each emotion as they arise. Be thankful for them. Then allow them time to float away. We know that time passes so quickly during the development stages: from a baby, to a toddler, to a teenager, and then out into the world to create their own lives. For me, that is what my work feels like when I pause to appreciate it.
From a pencil drawing to a symbol of love. It’s a journey that takes just a few weeks or months but it’s personal significance isn’t lost. There have been years of my life spent feeling as though my profession wasn’t significant. I’ve often felt guilty that what I do doesn’t impact the lives of those around me. Questions I often asked myself were how could jewelry affect the way that people feel. Could it better someone’s life and be a truly fulfilling path?
It took a great deal of love, patience and a very special couple to help me realize that my work, my art, and my passion touch people.
I was excited to get a call from Mark, the soul mate of my best friend, Ashlea. He asked if I could help him create a ring, hoping for a Christmas proposal. I was overwhelmed, inspired and of course, as anyone that knows me would guess… I cried.
This was a dream, to make a ring for two people who I loved, and who’s love gives me hope. The ring and this couple truly opened my eyes to the truth of my path.
I have been holding guilt for all of my career in jewelry. Although, I can honestly say that I LOVE what I do. I have often felt that I needed to give back more, to donate more, volunteer more and those things are wonderful and will always be apart of my life. But, I no longer feel that I need to do them because my work IS important. The energy I put into my craft inspires and impacts others. I’ve also realized that this is a parallel process. While I inspire others, their story inspires me to create.
Art isn’t frivolous. It isn’t selfish. It isn’t a luxury. Art in all forms: painting, music, acting and movement are all essential parts of our world. This has been a transformative realization and I’m so excited to see my world change and grow from this newly found perception. It feels good to say goodbye to 2016, more aligned with my purpose.
Happy New Year everyone!
xo, Kelly
James and Lily Jewelry 