Laura Cardwell

All of my life I have loved the little things: little boxes, pens, stickers, a new notebook, and above all I loved a great story. I began writing my own stories at an early age and in college I majored in English with a concentration in Creative Writing.

I was sure writing was my calling until I took photography and fell in love with large format still life. I ended up minoring in photography, and upon graduation, I dabbled in both mediums for several years until I gave birth to my first child.

Beading earrings and necklaces began as a small supplemental income that I could create at home and sell at music festivals where my husband’s band would play. Eventually, I wanted to learn more and as many small infatuations grow, I began taking classes.  With the realization that this small business was growing into a full time occupation (and the birth of my second child), I quit my job and began metalsmithing full time.

There were times in my life when I had great passion for what I was writing or a new portfolio in photography, but I was always able to put it down, walk away, and not come back for quite some time. I could not do that with art jewelry. It took my breath away and has yet to give it back.

I trained with master metal smith Bill Churlik at Earthspeak Arts in Asheville North Carolina and began taking beginner through advanced classes in metals and techniques.

In 2010 I was awarded the Buyers Market of American Craft (BMAC) Merit Award and in 2011, I was a Niche Finalist in Silver with Stones for my Pebbles Timepiece Ring.  I was honored and humbled by both recognitions.

Most recently, I juried into the Southern Highlands Craft Guild and the Carolina Designer Craftsman Guild.  I am excited to have become a member of both of these amazing organizations.

Today, I am still inspired by those boxes and the simple pleasures, especially my children. I look to create dimension and motion. My current work includes fusing, forging, raising, and stone setting in Argentium silver, sterling silver, gold plated and vermeil pieces and copper. I love creating the movement and depth that can be interpreted in so many ways.