Ep 39: Erin Harris - From Social Work to Soul Work & The Art of Creating Meaningful Connections Through Sentimental Jewelry
Erin harris calls herself a “sentimental metalsmith” because that is what she specializes in: sentimental work in metal. Her work features both literal sentiment via the words and phrases she etches into blooming flowers and hinged butterflies, as well as the more intangible emotions evoked in personalized lockets and memorial reliquary.
“I’m inspired by both nature and nostalgia, by love and by loss. I work in metal, taking something cold and hard and imbuing it with warmth and heart.”
Although Erin holds a masters degree in social work, her work for more than a decade has been a different kind of creative social-work, oriented around connecting with others and creating customized, personal, one-of-a-kind jewelry to honor life’s milestones and memories.
Her jewelry-making journey began with the loss of a wonderful dog, as she looked for ways to remember him and process her grief. Creating a piece of jewelry helped her feel a physical connection to his memory, and she’s been helping others make similar journeys ever since.
Erin has worked with renowned metal clay artist and teacher Celie Fago, both as apprentice and assistant, since 2009 and has worked with metalsmith Richard Salley as a workshop assistant. She taught elementary art for grades Pre-K through 8th for several years, and has taught metalsmithing and metal-clay classes to both children and adults since 2008. Erin lives in Berlin, VT with her spouse and furry companions.
Instagram: @elmharris
Website: www.elmharris.com