Monday, September 28, 2015

Andrea Mueller, Goldsmith

Goldsmith, Andrea Mueller warmly welcomed us into her studio at the red Art Rectory House downtown Ottawa. With pleasure we would like to share what we learn about our OJC member and her work. 


Q: Why did you choose jewellery? 
A: Knowing that I wanted to work with my hands, I wanted to create work that was functional, lasting and meaningful to the wearer.

Q: Where did you learn your craft? 
A: I have a degree in Fine Arts from the Nova Scotia College of Art and Design in Halifax.  I also learned many skills working for several successful Canadian jewellery designers.

Q: If you could invite a few people (living or dead) to your studio for a day, who would you ask and why?
A: I love to learn by watching other people make jewellery. I would invite a jeweller from Ancient Egypt to work while I watched. 

Q: List three words that describe you as an artist.
A: Thoughtful, down to earth, curious.

Q: What else inspires your work? 
A: I’m inspired by clean simple design in architecture, textiles  and nature.

Q: What is your most precious tool?
A: I went to a workshop at the Haystack Mountain School of Craft in Maine and made a series of chasing tools.  There is nothing like making your own tools and using them to create work. 

Q: Why is the Ottawa Jewellery Collective important to you?

A: There is great value in having independent jeweller designers come together to share resources. It’s important as a community that we raise the profile of local, handmade fine craft.  

Q: What part of Ottawa and surrounding areas do you call home? 
A: I live in Old Ottawa South and my studio workshop is in the Byward Market in the Rectory Art House, 179 Murray Street.

Q: Describe a technique you use in your work.
A: I use a variety of tools to create different patterns on my work.

Q: What do jewellery and a good party have in common?
A: Everyone likes jewellery and a good party.

Q: Where can we find your work? 
A: Wall Space Gallery, Ottawa; Arts on Queen and Cornerstone Canadian Art and Craft, Toronto; Cornerstone Canadian Art and Craft, Kingston; The Grotto, Merrickville; The General, Almonte; and at www.andreamueller.ca

OJC invites you to connect with Andrea on Facebook - Andrea-Mueller-Fine-Jewellery, Instagram - andreamuellerfinejewellery, and website www.andreamueller.ca