We are thrilled to announce that Melissa Banks of Rapt in Maille will be our next “Ask an Artist” contributor. This will be the third article in the series and will focus largely on advice regarding selling your work at art shows. That said, this is your opportunity to not only ask Melissa about her extensive experience with shows but about her artistry. Get to know Melissa below and make sure to check out how to submit YOUR questions for her at the end of this post.
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rapt, adj. – deeply engrossed or absorbed
in, prep. – to or at a situation or condition of
maille, n. – a flexible fabric made of interlinked metal rings
Melissa Banks – designer, fabricator, and owner of Rapt in Maille – attended the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, receiving a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Crafts/Metals (Jewelry) in 1996. After working for several years in the jewelry field as head of production for a local Chicago designer, she created her own line of jewelry, Rapt in Maille, in August of 2000.
Melissa’s jewelry combines traditional patterns of chainmaille with contemporary decorative elements, creating a progressive line of work with an emphasis on originality, style and elegance. Every piece is handmade link by link, using stainless steel jump rings. The process consists of opening and closing each ring, while interlocking (weaving) them with others to form a particular pattern. This labor-intensive artform requires patience, precision, creativity, mathematics, and then more patience. Other materials include stainless steel beads, stainless steel and gunmetal chain, rubber, gemstones, and sterling silver.
Rapt in Maille jewelry may be found at juried art festivals around the midwest, selected boutiques, and on the web at raptinmaille.com.
Learn more by reading this insightful blog post by Melissa about the history of Rapt in Maille: http://raptinmaille.blogspot.com/2010/09/from-beginning-history-of-rapt-in.html
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It’s your turn to pick Melissa’s brain about her extensive art show experience, jewelry, and life as a full-time professional chainmaille artist. We will be accepting questions until Tuesday, March 8th! Here’s how to get your question to Melissa:
1. Write it in the comments section at the end of this blog entry
2. Post it to our wall on facebook: http://www.facebook.com/BlueBuddhaBoutique
3. Tweet it to us using @BlueBuddhaBtq: http://twitter.com/BlueBuddhaBtq
4. Email it to me at [email protected]
Keep ’em coming! xo
My question is, how do you price your work? Working in steel is less expensive than sterling, BUT it is so much harder to work with, how do you get “paid for your time?” I can never seem to price things correctly, I never charge enough. I end up breaking even on supplies, and never getting enough for my time! Your designs are absolutely amazing, I am in love with your work!