Meet Sekhmet:

• Name: Sekhmet
• Creating in: St. Louis
• Specialty: Jewelry
• Selling at: Sekhmet’s Treasures (Etsy)

All about Sekhmet’s  creative life. . .

How would you describe yourself?

UN. Unconventional, unapologetic, unrestrained, unstructured.

What 5 words best describe you?

Quirky, articulate, thoughtful, strong-willed, dedicated (the last 4 are from my husband!)

What are 5 random fun facts about you?

Met my husband on the internet, before all the facebook stuff; was an Air Force officer; have lived in Germany, France and Korea and traveled to Italy, Austria, England, Greece, Switzerland, Luxembourg, Vatican City, San Marino, Belgium, The Netherlands, Spain, Japan, The Philippines, Mexico and Canada; my father and mother met in WWII when he was a pilot and she was a flight nurse; I’m trying to grow old gracefully, but nature is fighting me.

How would you describe your art or your style?

Whatever the beads say to me – I have no preconceived notions of what a piece will look like specifically. Sometimes I do know where I want to go with it, but usually, I let the back of my brain drive in making jewelry.

What 5 words best describes your art?

Funky, eclectic, beautiful, unstructured, wearable.

What makes your art different or unique?

Color and texture combinations, a different way of looking at something.

What is your artistic background?

BA in History – seriously! You see a lot of art and jewelry in historical studies. Travel has been another big part of my background, and you certainly see things in other places that may look like what you are used to, but have no resemblance whatsoever upon closer examination.

Can you briefly describe the process of creating your art?

Most of the time it’s like a lightning strike – a compulsion to pull out certain beads and findings and combine them in a way that seems pleasing to the back of my brain. Just as often, I take it apart and put it back together differently if it doesn’t please me. As many times as it takes!

Who inspires you, encourages you, and supports you?

My wonderful husband and both of my wonderful sons.

When do you feel your most creative?

Late evening.

How does creating make you feel?

Relaxed, going with the flow, almost meditating.

What other artist inspires you most?

My son David, who is a photographer and photojournalist. I want to live up to his exacting ideals, show the truth in what I do, and provide nothing but the best of workmanship.

What colors make you happy?

Turquoise and Aqua, purples, blues and greens,

What is your studio or work space like?

Crowded, beads on the floor, it makes me crazy to work in a pristine place. I just can’t get creative if I have too much space around me!

If you could have your dream studio anywhere in the world, where would it be?

In Luxor, Egypt – facing the pyramid-shaped mountain Al-Qurn which looks over the Valley of the Kings. I would like to try for a calmer place to work!

When did you first discover you were a creative spirit?

When I invited my entire kindergarten class to my birthday party, and then explained to my mother why she should have the party for me. It was a great party!

What is your all time favorite creation?

My sons, Thomas and David.

What is the best creative advice you would give?

Listen to anyone positive, ignore the negative people, and then do what feels right for you.

What do you really want others to know about you and your art and living a creative life?

Sometimes there is pain in creating art, like giving birth. A work of art can be a catharsis for pain or loss, and when you are ready to leave the pain behind, you can go gently into creativity. Go into art as a part of your soul, expressing that which words cannot. View it as a meditation. Jewelry is jewelry in the end, the process is the gift.