"Beyond the Shores We Know" - Insights from Casey Sharpe
June 13, 2014
Casey Sharpe has worked closely with me for more than two months to combine the original audio recordings and lectures from the SNAG Professional Development Seminar for posting on YouTube. Below is a feature interview with Casey.
Why did you volunteer to do this job for SNAG?
Casey Sharpe: I think it is important to preserve and share information. The Professional Development Seminars are a really valuable tool for all craftspeople. I’ve been a member of SNAG for over seven years, and I’ve found it a valuable resource, and a great way to connect with the larger jewelry and metalsmithing community.
I Lay in the Tidal Pool
wool, silk, glass beads, sterling silver
Where do you find your inspiration?
Casey Sharpe: As for my subject matter, my childhood was spent traveling between the east and west coasts of the United States. I’ve spent most of my life living within an hour of the ocean, and have always been fascinated by quiet beaches. There is something about the smell of the salt air, the cry of gulls, and the sand underfoot that soothes me, and I try to capture that in my work.
Sand and Barnacle Cufflinks
Sand, resin, sterling silver
Where did you learn metalworkS?
Casey Sharpe: I learned metalsmithing under Sharon Church and Rod McCormick at the University of the Arts in Philadelphia, PA.
Beyond the Shores We Know
silk, sea cell, glass beads, sterling silver
What has been the most helpful information or skill you learned in school?
Casey Sharpe: I think the most helpful thing I learned in school was to chase my interests, to pick up techniques and ideas, and to push everything as far as I could. On the more technical side, I learned chasing and repousse in school, and absolutely fell in love with it.
Sand and Barnacle Pendants
sand, resin, sterling silver
What has been the most helpful skill or information you learned on the job?
Casey Sharpe: My day job taught me how many things I can do for myself, as well as when to hand off things to other people. You have to know when to look for a professional, and when to ask for advice and do it yourself.
Years After I Washed Ashore
wool, cotton, sterling silver
Where is your studio?
Casey Sharpe: I make all of my work out of my home studio in Los Angeles, CA
Where do you sell your work?
Casey Sharpe: Several galleries carry my work, including Freehand Gallery (Los Angeles, CA), the Craft and Folk Art Museum (Los Angeles, CA), and the Houston Center for Contemporary Craft (Houston, TX). I also have an Etsy shop.
Sand and Barnacle Earrings
sand, resin, sterling silver
Again, I want to extend my thanks and appreciation to Casey Sharpe. It was a true delight to work with her and she demonstrates one of the key values of volunteering -- getting to know new people and gaining experience. Like her title, Casey was willing to go "beyond the shores we know" to venture into new territory. She did not even know how to combine the audio and Powerpoints for video, but she jumped in and figured out a workable solution. This trait that will take Casey far in the voyage of life.
Best Regards,
Harriete Estel Berman
