Conversations with Kathy Likos

Today we’d like to introduce you to Kathy Likos.

Kathy, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I have always been enamoured with jewelry. When I was a young girl, I would “shop” in my mom’s and aunt’s jewelry boxes. As a teenager, I would flip through catalogues studying how each piece of jewelry was designed and made. At that time, my jewelry-making skills were limited to knotting colorful threads and stringing seed beads. As I became older, I learned a few more techniques but never considered making jewelry for a living. I was always good at and enjoyed science and was headed towards a career in the field of science. (I never thought of myself as “artistic” because I wasn’t good at drawing or ceramics!). My bachelor’s degree is in Environmental Geology (I wanted to save the world!) and my master’s in is Geoscience Education with an emphasis on climate change. I fell in love with the challenge of teaching and though that was how I was going to change the world. I taught 7-12 grade science for 14 years.

As life’s responsibilities increased (husband, house, pets, kids…) I found making jewelry to be my stress release and therapy. It was around 2011 that I took my first metalsmithing class at a community college – I wanted to increase my skill set. Once I learned the basics of metalsmithing (using a saw, files and torch) I bought some tools and never looked back. I am mostly self-taught, thanks to the internet and books, with a few classes sprinkled in. It was around this time that I also started selling my jewelry at craft shows in school gyms and on Etsy. I think I took the long and winding road to get where I am today! Growing my business, artistic style and skill has required much observation and reflection – all while teaching full time and raising two young girls.

In 2017, I made the tough personal decision to leaving teaching and focus on my jewelry. Honestly, as noble as the profession of teaching is, it was becoming less and less rewarding to me, and making and selling my own jewelry was becoming more and more rewarding. The deciding factor was the complete support of my husband (who is also a teacher) in following my passion. I could now devote more time and energy to growing as an artist and as a businesswoman. I was accepted into higher quality juried art shows, ventured outside of the St. Louis metro area, and was invited to be in a few galleries. Things were going great! Then Covid hit.

Art shows were canceled, galleries closed, inspiration waned. The pandemic put a damper on my drive and direction. The universe works in weird ways….I got a call from a school in need of a science teacher two days before school started. I said yes. There was a need that I could fill, so I did. I still continued to create, but without the pressure of building inventory for shows. I explored new techniques. I used the downtime to step back and reflect on the path I have taken.

Now that we are coming out of this pandemic (I hope!), I am setting new goals and regaining momentum that I lost. I am grateful art shows are happing again. Interacting with customers is my inspiration and motivation. Making jewelry is satisfying, but sharing it with people is fulfilling. I create objects of beauty that can be tokens of love or celebration (for others or for self). I am excited for what the future will bring!

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Like I stated before, I think I have taken the long and winding road to where I am today. I have developed my skills over time. I think back to my very first craft show in a local high school gym – the jewelry I was making/selling, my display, my interactions with customers – and am amazed and proud of how much I have grown as an artist and businesswoman. I am the one responsible for growing and succeeding. I have set and achieved goals. I have overcome challenges and built this artist-life and business from my dreams. Challenges…finding the balance between growing and succeeding as a jewelry artist, my day job (teaching), and raising my family. I guess those can be summed up as time and money! Another challenge for me was (is) self-doubt – learning to look as myself as an artist and knowing “I am good enough”. What helps me overcome these challenges is setting priorities – always reminding myself of what is really important in life and making decisions accordingly (for me it was my children, my husband, my personal happiness, and knowing that if the washing machine breaks, we can buy a new one!) Actually, accepting my personal happiness as a priority was a challenge, as is learning to listen to myself through the noisy static of life. I would not be able to overcome these challenges without the support of my family – foremost my husband and kids, and my mom and siblings, and my in-laws….I am lucky and grateful to have such a supporting and loving circle.

Oh, and maintaining my website. THIS is a constant challenge!

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I work in sterling silver, copper and gemstones, like turquoise. I learned metalsmithing on copper because it is less expensive, but I’ve never completely let it go. I love the combination of metals, how the warm copper compliments the cool silver – balance. Since I was a kid, I have always been attracted to pretty rocks! I had rock collections in jars that I would sort through for hours. As a geology major in college, I collected bigger pieces from field studies…these are in my garden now. I search and handpick stones for my jewelry that are unique and I build the piece from there to accent the stone.

Designing a piece of jewelry is intuitive for me and therefore every piece I create has a bit of me in it. From choosing a stone that resonates with me, designing a piece with simple details that are not overwhelming, forming smooth shapes and curved lines, to finishing the metal to a soft glow, not a high shine which is hard to maintain. I suppose those attributes of my jewelry are the attributes of myself I want to share with others.

Before we let you go, we’ve got to ask if you have any advice for those who are just starting out?
Identify your life priorities and make sure your decisions and actions uphold those priorities. Observe those who you admire. and are succeeding in the way you wish to succeed. Ask questions. Research. Reflect on what is working and what is not, and how you can improve. Listen to yourself – ALL of your voices (except the negative self-dialogue, that never helps). If you are stuck, make a list of pros and cons, and if that doesn’t help, go with your gut! There are always opportunities.

Pricing:

• Mixed metal earrings and necklaces $40 – $75
• Stone jewelry $100 – $1000

Contact Info:

• Email: kathy@likosmetalandstone.com
• Website: www.likosmetalandstone.com
• Instagram: @likosmetalandstone
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/likosmetalandstone

Image Credits
Images by Kathy Likos, Don Casper