Open Studio Weekend: 3
One of the exciting aspects of Hartford’s Open Studio Weekend is the eclectic mix of artists that participate. Connecticut Creative recently spoke with jewelry designer Jessica Dickens about her craft and her experiences at the yearly event.
CONNECTICUT CREATIVE: What kind of work do you exhibit Open Studio?
JESSICA DICKENS: I create handmade jewelry featuring semi-precious stones, freshwater pearls, glass and ceramic beads and other types of components that I find.
CONNECTICUT CREATIVE: So how long have you been participating in Open Studio Weekend?
JESSICA DICKENS: I started making jewelry as a hobby back in 2000, and I’ve had my business since 2002. I think this will be either my fourth or fifth year doing Open Studio.
CONNECTICUT CREATIVE: For you, what is the best part of exhibiting?
JESSICA DICKENS: It’s really an artist-driven event, meaning when you go there you’re going to see real artists there. If you go to some craft fairs and other events where they have places for people to exhibit, not everyone is an artist. A lot of times people will have imported stuff or manufactured items that are not handmade. When you go to Open Studio, you’ll see artists who actually create what they do. You also have an opportunity to meet hundreds of people in a relaxed environment with other artists.
CONNECTICUT CREATIVE: How did you get started making jewelry?
JESSICA DICKENS: I had a necklace that I just loved in college that broke. And one day my mother was buying yarn and I just happened to tag along with her and I saw all these little beads. So I just got some fishing wire and took all the beads and remade my necklace. Then I started going to bead shops. I fell in love with the bead shops. I would spend all my money and all my time at the bead shops. And it just went from there.
CONNECTICUT CREATIVE: When you start a piece, do you start with an idea in mind or do you let it develop as you’re working on it?
JESSICA DICKENS: Sometimes I will get an idea and write it down. But most of the time I will sit down and look through my jewelry and pick out a center piece or maybe there’s a color that I want to work with and then I just build the necklace from there. It’s kind of like the beads speak to me while I’m making it.
CONNECTICUT CREATIVE: Would you say you have a specific style?
JESSICA DICKENS: It’s not that I don’t create delicate, fine pieces, but most of my pieces are on the bolder side. They’re chunkier, sometimes with shells or wood or coral and other stones so it’s a little bit more natural.
CONNECTICUT CREATIVE: What advice do you have for other artists?
JESSICA DICKENS: Don’t compare yourself to other people. Once you start doing that, you may start to feel insecure. If you just stick to your craft, do your best at it and try to get it out there then you will have an audience.
For more information, visit Jessica Dickens’ web site at www.jessicadesignsjewelry.com.
This is the third piece in a series profiling artists exhibiting at Hartford’s Open Studio Weekend. The event begins with a gallery opening November 13th and runs 11 am to 5 pm November 14th and 15th. For more information, visit openstudiohartford.com.
