Nick Southard
Who are you and what have you been creating lately?
My name is Nick Southard. I am a jeweler, hand engraver, hi-fi nerd, and all around tinkerer of things. I have been making custom handmade jewelry since 2016. I cut my own stones, make many of my materials from scratch, and specialize in hand engraving. Lately, I have really been focusing on learning and developing new engraving and stone setting techniques.
Where are you from and how does it influence your art?
I grew up in South Eastern Indiana alongside the Ohio river, but I have been living in Southern California since 2006. Having spent nearly half of my life out west and growing up in the heartland has certainly shaped my life, and in affect shaped my art, but I wouldn’t say that my location has a profound affect or influence on what I’m doing as an artist.
What is your creative process?
For custom work there are typically some guidelines to follow, but details aside, I really aim to give each project everything I have. These pieces are built to last multiple lifetimes and they bear my signature; Each piece gets my undivided attention to say the least. It’s really great leaning into a project with a client and building something special we’re both excited about.
What piece are you most proud of?
I began this journey in metal and stone back in 2016. I still feel like I’ve only just begun to scratch the surface. Each piece still feels like the first piece and I’m constantly learning and developing different techniques every time I pick up my tools. I guess I’m most proud of whichever piece I’ve recently finished, because it’s fresh, but each piece is kind of a stepping stone in the journey, and I’m equally proud of everything that has paved the pay.
How do you define success as an artist?
Success… that’s a tricky one. It’s such a blessing to have my health and to be able to support myself doing something Im absolutely in love with. I’m certainly not feeling confined by those things, quite the opposite really, but I’d say that’s feeling pretty successful for now. I’m looking forward to see where the journey is headed!