Sheila A. Smith
Sheila fell in love with metalsmithing in 2002 when a friend, Dr. Louis P Bauer PHD, introduced her to the world of silver and metalsmithing by giving her all of his jewelry making equipment. After 20 years of woodworking, adding metal to her repertoire was a natural succession. She says "she loves the feel of the metal in her hand, whether it be sterling silver, copper, brass or pewter,,, and it is an awesome feeling knowing you are about to create something beautiful. Just the feel of the metal as you shape it, the beat of the hammer as you texture, the smell of the torch as you solder and the sight of creating something is so stimulating." She says "It is noisy and messy at times but it is peaceful and serene always. The time I spend in my studio is therapy."
She loves to share her love of metalsmithing and help others learn to create their own rings, earrings, bracelets and pendants. She especially loves to teach etching and enameling.
Sheila's formal training includes:
Metalsmithing~~James Carter School of Jewelry Arts***Pensacola, FL
Metalsmithing~~Steven M. Donnelly MFA*** New Orleans, LA
Etching ~~Becky Burt*** New Orleans, LA
PMC Certification~~Patrik Kusak*** RioGrande
PMC Bronze~~Katherine Prejean***New Orleans, LA
Silversmiting/Casting~~Gerold Beningo*** Gulfport, MS
Metalsmithing/Silversmithing~~Kim St. Jean
Enameling~~Jean Van Brederode
Metalsmithing/Silversmithing~~Debora Mauser
Enameling~~Debora Mauser
Fusing Metal~~Debora Mauser
Metalsmithing~~Eva Sherman
Enameling~~Kieu Pham Gray
Electro-Etching~~John Fetvedt
Sheila lives in GOD's country - the beautiful Mississippi Gulf Coast Long Beach - and appreciates and treasures the talents and gifts GOD has blessed her with.