Today we’d like to introduce you to Erin Robinson.
Every artist has a unique story. Can you briefly walk us through yours?
I grew up in St. Pete, Fl and went to arts magnets for middle school and high school where I danced, made costumes and stage-managed plays. On I went to my Bachelor’s at USF St. Pete to major in Anthropology and minor in Art History (I regret nothing!). In the few years after graduating, I had jobs that were challenging and knowledge-expanding but weren’t creatively fulfilling. And I finally got really tired of that, of not having an outlet like I was used to having for so many years. So, I just STARTED. I had so many ideas and so much energy and needed to put it all into something creative, like STAT, posthaste, without further ado! I had played around with beaded jewelry, silk knotting, and polymer clay, but none of them were quite the vision I had in mind. I don’t really remember how, but I stumbled upon resin epoxy, and my brain blew up in the best way. It’s exactly what I had pictured my jewelry looking like–that polished ’80s / happy vintage modern vibe. My studio is my very small second bedroom in my very small garage apartment. Luckily my cat doesn’t jump up on the workbench. 🙂 -Erin
Please tell us about your art.
I make jewelry, mainly statement earrings but also bangles (and hopefully brooches at some point!) and they’re all made out of resin epoxy. Resin epoxy is a chemical reaction between two liquids: resin and hardener. The two liquids are measured and mixed together, at which point I add confetti/glitter/acrylic paint/happiness/whispers of sweet nothings. I then pour the mixture out into molds and let them sit for at least 24 hours so they can harden. Then I take them out of their molds and sand all the edges and sides of the pieces and drill holes for the findings. Sometimes I design the shapes and colors before I mix and pour, and sometimes I make a bunch of different batches of different colors that I’ve been dreaming about and then put them together like tiny love letter puzzle pieces. I guess it depends on my mood. The latter method is faster and a bit more cost effective, but the former is really fun if I have a specific pair in mind. The message of my jewelry is always joy. I feel joyful and way less stressed designing and constructing the pieces. I want people who feel connected to my jewelry to feel confident and beautiful and fun while wearing it, and I hope they keep feeling that way after they take it off. I love statement earrings and statement jewelry in general, but I like to make smaller, more minimal pieces for people who maybe aren’t ready to wear big pieces yet, or who think they “can’t.” At markets, I always like to tell people who say they can’t wear certain colors or sizes, “yes you ABSOLUTELY can, but only if you want to!” If it makes you feel beautiful, say yes.
Choosing a creative or artistic path comes with many financial challenges. Any advice for those struggling to focus on their artwork due to financial concerns?
Hmmmm. Well, I can tell you that that’s a concern of mine, too, so you’re not alone. Right now, I do my jewelry business as a bit of a passion project/side hustle. I have a full-time, 40-hours a week job that can be high-stress and very demanding of my energy. Honestly, it IS hard to balance everything, and it’s okay to say no and reassess everything you’ve taken on. This is a really hard question. I want you and me to be happy and to be able to take care of ourselves and our pets because it’s not fun to struggle and feel worried about your next paycheck.
How or where can people see your work? How can people support your work?
I sell my jewelry at markets around St. Pete. So far I’ve been apart of Indie Flea markets and Royal Palm Market in St. Pete and Tampa. I usually have a few pieces for sale at Gather Indie Gift Shop in St. Pete. And finally, you can find my pieces for sale on Etsy at etsy.com/shop/marigoldmakers, and you can follow me on Instagram @marigoldmakers 🙂
Contact Info:
- Website:Â marigoldmakers.etsy.com
- Email:Â hellomarigoldmakers@gmail.com
- Instagram:Â @marigoldmakers
- Facebook:Â facebook.com/marigoldmakers
 
Image Credit:
Samantha Cipriani
Christina Jones
Erin Robinson
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