Business & Tech
Berkley Art Bash Preview: Meet the Vintage Jewelry Maker Behind B-Side Metalworks
West Bloomfield artist Christy Brennan was just a little girl when she bit down into a golden heart pendant to alter it. Her mother was mortified, but for her, it was just the beginning of what she could do with jewelry, she says.
Like most artists, Christy Brennan of West Bloomfield always knew she had the spirit of an artist inside her.
“I have always loved shaping metal since I was very little,” she tells customers on her B-Side Metalworks Etsy page. “Literally, I took a bite out of a small gold heart charm necklace! My mom was devastated, and I was stunned I could change the shape of the small charm with my teeth. Luckily for my teeth and my clients, I have since moved on to using tools.”
That was certainly the moment it all began, but it wasn’t until she got her hands on her very own blow torch that the real magic happened.
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Since 2010, the now 37-year-old metalsmith has been crafting pendants and charms of all kinds.
She’ll be appearing at the for a second time this year and is a big supporter of shows like Berkley’s.
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“It gives local artists the exposure and support to sell their goods and earn a living.”
Here Brennan shares her adventures as an ever-evolving artist.
Patch: Tell us a little about the creations you offer.
Brennan: B-Side Metalworks is my handmade collection of unique charms and pendants using natural gemstones, precious metals and vintage objects.
Each piece is sawed, punched, stamped, forged and soldered completely by hand. I work to create handmade pieces out of metal and then layer gems and fine details to create a completely unique piece every time. I create original pieces that reflect my own experiences and inspirations.
Q: How did your journey as an artist first begin?
A: I’ve been making things for as long as I can remember. As soon as I could hold pencils and scissors in my hands, I have put them to good use.
After I received my Bachelor of Fine Art degree from the University of Michigan in 1997, I decided to move to New York City to pursue a career in the fashion industry. Despite enjoying the exciting, fast pace of the fashion industry, I realized I was truly a Midwest gal and decided to root myself back in the Mitten where I taught elementary school until I had my daughters.
Throughout all my adventures, I have always sketched and collaged, but it was not until I had my second daughter in 2010 that I decided to revamp my skills as a metalsmith. I bought my very own torch and decided to set up shop in my home studio. This is when the true adventure began.
Q: Where do you draw your inspiration from?
A: Everything!
Q: Walk us through the process of making one of your pieces.
A: My favorite part of the creative process is making the actual object.
Each one becomes a little treasure. I usually have an idea in my mind, but it is rare when it turns out like I initially envision it. However, sometimes I'll make something that works as a piece of art, and it’s as if I don't know how it happened...it just came out.
I tapped into a part of myself that I didn't know was there, and that is the part of me that created the piece!
Q: What does being an artist mean to you?
A: Being an artist, I always loved to create things but never conditioned myself to do it on a daily basis. When I had my second daughter, I truly felt the need to delve into something that would allow me to create objects for myself and others. I work with and create objects that I respond to. Because everything I do is completely handmade or incorporates vintage pieces, every piece I make is completely unique. Each piece has its own personality and is waiting for its owner to find it.
