Artist of the Week: Simon Gomez

Simon Gomez is an 18-year-old jewelry designer in Skagit Valley.

Seattle Refined: How long have you been designing? What mediums do you work with?

Simon Gomez: My artistic journey began when I was 7. I found my mom's bead box and was instantly captivated by the art I could create by threading her beads. I knew from that moment that I wanted to make jewelry.

My work is characterized by ethically sourced gemstones, pure silver, sterling silver and 10k gold to create on-off and bespoke pieces. I select gemstones like pearls, sapphires, etc. to add color and meaning to my pieces. Depending on what I'm creating I may incorporate glass as well. I'm continually exploring new materials and techniques to create new pieces to expand my repertoire.

Tell us about your business.

I'm an 18-year-old jewelry artist, and my business revolves around creating unique handcrafted jewelry. My business is a blend of creativity, ethics and commitment to creating meaningful jewelry. Ethical sourcing and sustainability are core values. I design for people who appreciate craftsmanship, uniqueness and an emotional response to jewelry. My designs come from my soul and stay true to my artistic vision.

Can you tell us about your artistic process and how the different stages work into it?

In terms of my process, it starts with the concept of the piece, like what story do I want to tell or what's going on in my life at the time. Then, I sketch a rough design, which is the basis for the piece. I decide on what materials to use, like specific gemstones and what type of metal. If I'm creating something new, I research the process and practice it, like what are the properties of my gemstones. Then, I refine my initial sketches with a detailed design, like measurements, gemstone placement, metal shape. I usually make a prototype before I make a piece of a new collection. Once I'm happy with it, I make the final piece, and my body takes over from there.

Tell us about where the inspiration comes from. Who inspires you?

Artistry resides deep within me. It's part of who I am. It flows naturally and shapes my thoughts and actions. Through my art, I share a glimpse into my soul. When I'm creating a piece of jewelry, my body takes over, and the art unfolds. You could say it's part of my essence and it reflects my feelings, experiences and dreams. My jewelry tells the stories that have molded me and reveals the beauty I see in nature. I'm fascinated by how natural elements, like silver, transform and respond to my touch, evolving elements to create something new and unique.

I'm inspired by my family, friends and nature. I'm also inspired by other artists and artist communities like Edison, Washington, which is near my home in the Skagit Valley. Being part of this community means I'm surrounded by like-minded people who share the same passion for creative expression. There's a collective energy and enthusiasm for art that's contagious and motivates me to explore new ideas and push the boundaries of my craft. It fosters creativity and exposes me to diverse perspectives, and I've met some very talented artists who are open to collaborating with me. They support artistic experimentation; I learn about trends, and we share resources. The local surroundings and vibe of Edison contribute to the flavor of integrating nature into my work. So, for me, Edison is a place of community and growth in my journey.

If we want to see more of your work, where should we go to find it?

Where to find my jewelry:

• WA: Frye Art Museum, Seattle Art Museum, Museum of Northwest Art, Smith &Vallee, The Lucky Dumpster, Perry and Carlson, Anacortes Farmers Market
• OR: Lowell
• CA: Freehand
• IL: Tusk

I'm also updating my website, www.SIMONMADE.online, and you can reach me on Instagram @simonmadejewel.

What is next for you? Anything you're working on right now that you're really excited about?

I'm really excited about expanding my creative pursuits and exploring new mediums. I've got a couple of exciting projects I'm currently working on. I'm creating a new collection of 15-30 rings in collaboration with my friend James, who is crafting mold, which gives me an opportunity to explore new designs and techniques. Also, I'm looking forward to working with glass so I'm transforming a shed on my family's farm into an outdoor glass studio. Glass artistry can bring a whole new dimension to my thirst for developing my art. I love experimenting with color, texture and form. I've worked with glass before by incorporating it into my jewelry so now I'm excited to create some stand-alone glass art pieces.

Lastly, how do you take your coffee? We ask everyone.

I start my day with Earl Grey Rooibos tea and two organic caffeine pills to get my caffeine fix.

About 'Artist of the Week': This city is packed with artists we love to feature weekly on Seattle Refined! If you have a local artist in mind that you would like to see featured, let us know at hello@seattlerefined.com. And if you're wondering just what constitutes art, that's the beauty of it; it's up to you! See all of our past Artists of the Week in our dedicated section.