Today we’d like to introduce you to Ann Kathryn Kehoe.
Hi Ann Kathryn, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I became interested in metalsmithing in high school, when a local jeweler who I met at an art fair took me under his wing & taught me a few basic techniques. I loved the challenge that comes with manipulating metal & decided to pursue a degree in jewelry design. I received my BFA in metals & jewelry design from Missouri State University, and worked as an assistant for several metalsmiths before landing a full-time job as a jewelry designer with a company in Kansas City, MO. I started to build my own studio & gradually transitioned to working full-time with my own business in 2012. Since then, my work has evolved into something that feels authentic & soul-full. I participate in fine art fairs around the country but my work is also available on my website & at my studio. I have a studio at The Foundry Art Centre in St. Charles, MO, where people are welcome to visit. This year, you can find me in several art shows in the St. Louis area, along with some out of state shows. When not travelling for shows, I work one-on-one with clients to design custom jewelry, such as unique engagement rings & memorial pendants.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Although I have always felt guided along my path, there have been plenty of bumps and detours along the way. One of my biggest challenges came in 2019. I was full of ambition, saying yes to every opportunity, and working far too many hours a week in my studio. I was so focused on growth that I didn’t pay attention to the mounting dysregulation in my body until it was too late. Health issues forced me to cancel shows that I’d gotten into & switch all attention to healing. Although it was a tough lesson, I now have a much clearer understanding of my capabilities & limitations. Because of this challenge, I have a much healthier work-life balance, where I value my health & am cognizant of how my time is spent.
I’m so grateful to still be making jewelry~ being self-employed is a blessing. In order to continue down this path, I realize taking care of myself is key.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I’m a metalsmith & lapidary artist, making jewelry with brass, silver, gold & natural gemstones.
I enjoy creating work that has deeper meaning behind it. You’ll see symbols within my designs, along with hidden messages that are meant to uplift the wearer. Many of my ideas come to me in dreams, as a sort of informational download. You’ll find intentional details throughout my designs, and I think that’s one of the things that makes my work unique.
As far as technique, I especially enjoy exploring texture & pattern within my work. I use a technique called charcoal-casting to create weathered, imperfect castings. These castings are created by carving reliefs into charcoal, which molten metal is then pressed into. This primitive casting process allows me to melt my silver scraps & use what I have on hand to create something that is one-of-a-kind. Making something new that feels ancient is a satisfying process & allows me to loosen up as an artist, as no two castings are ever the same.
I would say that my specialty these days are custom memorial jewelry designs. I work with clients to repurpose their sentimental jewelry pieces (such as a wedding ring), and together we transform it into something meaningful for their new chapter, filled with reminders of their loved one. This kind of work feels incredibly fulfilling to me. I love supporting my clients through the process, while creating something beautiful for them.
Do you have recommendations for books, apps, blogs, etc?
I have been loving the Lucky Sweater app. While exploring a no-buy year, I found Lucky Sweater, which is a platform focused on trading handmade, vintage & slow fashion. Since finding LS, I have been primarily trading for clothes instead of buying. It’s an amazing way to cut down on waste & over-consumption in the fashion industry, along with connecting with kind people in this tight-knit community.
Additionally, my business AnnKat Designs is an approved slow-fashion brand, so those who invest in my work can trade if they’re ready for something new.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://Www.AnnKat.com
- Instagram: https://Instagram.com/annkatdesigns
