Welcome to “Get Inspired”. A series of interviews with our Studio Class instructors.  

For this month, we’ll be talking to Elizabeth Mason, an accomplished Jewelry-making entrepreneur with a love for the coast!

If you’re looking to get inspiration from a local artist, read on!

TMA: Hi Elizabeth, thanks for taking some time to chat with us today. Let’s start off the conversation talking about your profession. Jewelry design is certainly unique. How did you start that journey?

Elizabeth: I started making jewelry during the evening as stress-relief and a way to relax after work. I was working long hours at the office and then continuing to work once I came home. I knew I had to make a change to avoid burn-out, but I had no idea my relaxing little hobby would grow into a side business or that I’d ever be transitioning into making jewelry full-time.

I began by experimenting with making simple earrings and stringing necklaces, and people started asking about the pieces I was wearing and if they could buy them. So, I started selling at a couple of local fairs and my hairdresser was kind enough to give me some space at her salon free of charge to showcase and sell my jewelry.

Elizabeth: Things grew from there to include multiple stores, two online shops and teaching classes.  In 2016 I took early retirement from my day job, opened a studio at the Institute for Creative Arts in Dunedin, to focus on my new career in jewelry making.

TMA: Turning your hobby into your profession certainly is the dream for a lot of artists! On your socials you’ve described your Jewelry as mostly “costal inspired”. How did that love for the coast start, and how do you incorporate it into your artwork?

Elizabeth: I grew up in London and rarely saw the sea. My attraction to the ocean and all things coastal began in my 30s when my husband and I relocated to Bermuda for several years. Living on a small island was certainly a big change – our apartment looked out over the ocean, and we were a short walk to the beach!

It was in Bermuda that I discovered seaglass – basically remnants of old glass that have been washed into or dumped at sea and over the years have been tumbled by the waves which gives them smooth edges and a frosted appearance – and I began to collect seaglass and sea pottery. I became fascinated by these little “pieces of history” and started to learn about the likely origins of my finds. Many pieces I found there were centuries old. I was hooked, and when I began to expand my jewelry making skills, I began to incorporate my beach finds.

Elizabeth: Since my move to Florida, where seaglass is a rarity, I’ve begun to work much more with local shells, and have begun designing ornaments using starfish, larger shells and other beach-found treasures. I also enjoy taking photographs and have launched a collection of jewelry that features photos taken of local beach and sunset scenes. I love walking along the beach and watching the amazing sunsets we get to see on the Gulf.

TMA: And now you’ve turned that love for the coast and jewelry into a thriving business: EJM designs. Do you have any advice for any inspiring entrepreneurs?

Elizabeth: To start any small business, you have to take a leap of faith. I started very slowly while I still had a full-time career, and I had limited time.  I’ve had many lucky breaks and come across many people who’ve supported my journey and encouraged me along the way. Creating can be lonely, and marketing yourself isn’t something I enjoy, even though I worked in marketing and PR professionally and knew exactly what I needed to do.

I also learned to be adaptable. For example, my classes were canceled during the pandemic, so I launched monthly gift box subscriptions on Etsy, and created jewelry for several other online subscription box services. Then, once people started street shopping again, I built more relationships with retailers, developed new designs and expanded my product range by designing things their store customers were requesting.

My classes returned gradually and have since expanded. My online business is less of a focus these days. My business has gone through many shifts and I think the best pieces of advice I could give anyone thinking of starting a business are to be comfortable with change, pay attention to trends and be aware that challenges can present major opportunities too.

TMA: That’s certainly advice we can all benefit from! You’ve already mentioned how to navigate some roadblocks when building a business. But what would you say is the most difficult part of jewelry-making?

Elizabeth: I would say the most challenging thing for me is coming up with new designs. I have dry spells when I don’t feel inspired, and I use this time to create restock items or plan new workshops. You never know when inspiration will strike, and it’s not something that can be forced.  But it can be frustrating if it doesn’t come for a while. Conversely, you can also be overwhelmed by ideas and have periods of intense activity! 

TMA: What’s the biggest reward?

Elizabeth: Not surprisingly, the biggest reward is someone coming up to you to tell you how much they love the jewelry they bought from you. I have many repeat customers, which is very uplifting, and I have many students who come to class after class too. This is such a validation and really boosts my self-confidence! Teaching was an unexpected part of my jewelry making journey and began as a way for me to cover the cost of my studio rent. I found I really enjoyed it and that it was also a great way to meet like-minded people and to raise awareness of my jewelry. It is amazing to witness the creativity of my students and to see them make pieces that are unique to them. They arrive telling me “I’m not creative…” and they leave with jewelry they love and are truly proud of. I love helping students explore ideas, lose their anxiety and learn the steps to make something beautiful. This is so fulfilling.

TMA: It certainly sounds rewarding, and we appreciate you sharing your classes with our TMA students. Speaking of which, for any prospective students out there who want to start their jewelry-making journey, what beginner’s advice would you give them?

Elizabeth: I always encourage people who have an interest, to explore it – you never know until you try if this is going to be something that you just want to pursue for a short-time or if it’s going to develop into a life-long passion. I’ve had numerous students who’ve launched small jewelry making businesses using skills they’ve learned at one of my workshops, and I love to see this. Everyone’s jewelry style is different, so there’s a market for everyone’s work. I advise people to start slowly and find what sells and what doesn’t, so they don’t invest too much in one set of stock. I also recommend creating good marketing materials, such as a logo, business cards, and signage, and an online presence – things you can do without spending too much money.

Whether you are starting out to make jewelry as a hobby or with a business in mind, I recommend buying a really good set of jewelry making tools and trying to focus on developing your individual style so your pieces can be viewed as a cohesive collection that’s recognizably yours. That’s not to say that you can’t have many collections, but it will help you develop your unique style. As your hobby develops, you’ll have to balance trying to appeal to different audiences and trying to identify and market to your target customer. This can involve a good deal of trial and error, and you must have patience and faith in the process. Be true to yourself and your vision, and above all, enjoy the creative process!

TMA: Elizabeth, thank you so much for this interview and sharing your advice and story with us. For anyone who is intrigued by jewelry or just want to see what all the excitement is about, check out Elizabeth’s jewelry-making classes! Her next class with the Tampa Museum of Art is the Studio 55 Beaded Jewelry course, which starts on Sunday, August 17. Reserve your spot now!

Welcome to “Get Inspired”. A series of interviews with our Studio Class instructors.  

For this month, we’ll be talking to Rolando Rodriguez. He’s our resident Drawing and Painting teacher here at the Tampa Museum of art—If you need any help with 2D mediums, he’s your guy!

So, if you’re looking to get inspiration from a local artist, read on!

TMA: Hi Rolando! Thanks for taking some time to chat with us today. For starters, how about you tell us what sparked your interest in art?

Rolando: Growing up, I didn’t have parents that visited art galleries or museums. I knew nothing about the mindboggling achievements of the greatest artists. It was all the more shocking to see, on a huge screen, the works of genius artists at the age of 18 in my first art history class.

Eventually as I delved deeper into art, it became clear that I needed to change my major from pre-law to Art History. I thought about becoming a fine arts major, but at the time, modern, or abstract art had overwhelming dominance. It was what everyone was studying and teaching. I was interested in figurative art. The kind that had a magical, gracefulness, and a concern with beauty. I studied in depth the ancient Greeks, the Italian High Renaissance, the Dutch school, and the French academic school. I was trying to learn as directly as possible from the old masters.

TMA: That’s great! And with all of that studying, how did you find the Tampa Museum of Art?

Rolando: Actually, I didn’t find the Tampa Museum, the Tampa Museum found me. There were a group of teenaged students that requested a classically trained artist, I received a call to teach them. I taught two classes, then the third was interrupted by the covid epidemic.  

TMA: Can you tell us a little more about what other projects you’re working on?

Rolando: I’m currently working on a large oil painting depicting figures in a festive setting. I’m striving for a harmonious and pleasing arrangement of figures in movement. There is a philosophical aspect to this painting as well, since it will eventually feature a puppet cutting its own puppet strings.

TMA: With all of your projects and classes all focusing on difference aspects of 2D medium, what do you think is the difference between drawing and painting? But also, how are they similar?

Rolando: The differences between drawing and painting goes beyond color. Drawing has to be regarded as a different medium, but as respected as painting. Masterpieces can be created with both. Drawing is usually the first foundation to painting or sculpting.

TMA: That’s a great way to look at it! Do you have any other tips for people looking for inspiration or instruction in drawing and painting?

Rolando: My suggestions to those considering Art as a creative endeavor is to follow your passions. Whether it be portraiture, flowers, landscapes, etc.  do what you want to do. After you’ve discovered your focus, so that you can avoid stagnation, don’t forget to occasionally experiment.    

Be patient with yourself, it takes a little time to make that connection where beautiful and wonderful art are within reach.  

TMA: Thank you so much for talking with us today, Rolando! For the readers out there, if you’re thinking about diving into the world of drawing and painting, or want to continue learning, consider taking a wonderful class with our wonderful teacher Rolando Rodriguez!

Welcome to “Get Inspired”. A series of interviews with our Studio Class instructors.  

For this month, we’ll be talking to Ginny Brennan. They’re one of our many talented Ceramics teachers here at the Tampa Museum of art—including an upcoming Ceramics Jewelry class this May!

If you’re looking to get inspiration from a local artist, read on!

TMA: Hi Ginny! Thanks for taking some time to chat with us today. Since you’re one of our ceramics teachers, what got you into ceramics?

Ginny: My first brush with ceramics was in college. I had recently switched my major to studio art and took my first ceramics class. I loved it and decided to focus on that for my time at USF. A lot of my professors were very inspiring; Jenn Miller and John Byrd to name a few. I’ve also found a lot of artists who are huge inspirations to me online as well. Gabs Conway, Amy Palatnick, Violaine Toth, and William Cobbing are a few that come to mind, but there are so many more. 

TMA: You also have a long history with the Tampa Museum. What initially drew you to working here with us?

Ginny: I initially was drawn to the museum because of the exhibitions on display, specifically the infinity room by Yayoi Kusama titled Love is Calling. That was my first visit and since then I was wondering how to get started in a museum career. I started volunteering, moved to a part-time position at the front desk, then full time as an assistant manager. I moved to the education department as a full time programs assistant and recently left that position to pursue teaching full time. I’m so happy with that decision. Teaching has been a joy so far. I can’t wait to plan and execute more classes! 

TMA: Can you tell us a little more about the classes you’ve taught and are planning to teach here?

Ginny: I’m currently teaching a general ceramics course that provides an overview of the medium and a couple different techniques like throwing, slab building, coil building and more. I’m planning a jewelry course for the summer, and a short holiday ornament course for later this year. 

TMA: Those all sound super exciting! But I can imagine planning all those classes isn’t an easy task. What would you say is the toughest part of working with Ceramics?

Ginny: I think the hardest part is losing a piece you’ve worked really hard on. Ceramics can be up to luck sometimes, especially when it comes to firing pieces in the kiln. This can be a good lesson though! It really teaches you to let go and not become too attached to your work. 

TMA: With that in mind, what’s the most rewarding part of working with ceramics?

Ginny: There are so many rewarding parts! Honing your skills, exchanging ideas with students and instructors, sharing the excitement of a finished work after a firing with other potters, learning new ways of doing the same action, and most of all, being able to use the work you make! I love function, so making my own planters, bowls, mugs, etc. is a wonderful way to be more appreciative of the objects I use every day. 

TMA: Our last question is what advice do you have for someone who has just started or is interested in Ceramics?

Ginny: Make, make, make. Make as much as you can and don’t worry about it being perfect. When you first start, things will never be as good as you want them to be but don’t be discouraged. Keep creating and your skills will catch up. 

TMA: Ginny, thank you so much for talking with us today, and for any students out there interested in ceramics, consider taking a wonderful class with our wonderful teacher Ginny Brennan!

Welcome to “Get Inspired”. A series of interviews with our Studio Class instructors.  

For this month, we’ll be talking to Vaishali Mehta. She’s a multi-talented art teacher here at the Tampa Museum of art. Vaishali is currently teaching our “Remix” classes on Mondays and will be teaching a Henna Art Summer Camp. 

If you’re looking to get inspiration from a local artist, read on! 

TMA: Thanks for taking the time to chat with us, Vaishali. For starters, how did you become interested in art?  

As a child, you do things that either you are good at, or you are not. At an early age, I discovered I was good in art – drawing and coloring. That was where I gained confidence, and compliments from friends, teachers, and family. That was my inspiration to improve myself and learn technical skills in something I enjoyed doing. It has always been a meditative process for me, and I have always explored the works of different artists to understand their perspectives. It has a powerful ability to tell stories, evoke emotions, and challenge our perceptions. It is fascinating how art acts as a universal language that transcends time and space. 

TMA: Who are your inspirations? 

Vaishali: A particular artist whose work I am fond of is Amrita Sher-Gil. Her paintings capture the lives and struggles of Indian women with deep emotional insight. She beautifully mixes Western and Indian influences, producing a blend of cultural narratives that continue to resonate and provoke thought. 

TMA: Your resume has an impressive roster of qualifications. From Photoshop, to clay, to Henna art. How have you balanced learning all those different art disciplines? 

Vaishali: It was the exposure I was provided through my cultural background: henna through weddings, clay through the tuitions I provided my students, and Photoshop through the art degree I earned when I moved to the US. Though I am proficient with different skills, these are the ones I have enjoyed and able to practice on a regular basis.   

TMA: And you’ve gotten quite a bit of teaching experience as well. Being a teacher is often a difficult career, but what would you say is your biggest joy in teaching? 

Vaishali: It is the joy and contentment in the eyes of my students, their focus on how they want to express themselves, their effort to get what is on their minds to translate to the medium of their art. Every experience and every work are different, and it has a different meaning, governed by the emotions of the individual when they were creating it. Though the technicalities can be graded, the expression is always free and based on the creator.   

TMA: How did you start teaching here at Tampa Museum of Art? 

Vaishali: Visiting the museum, I have always appreciated the works that have been displayed here. There is a great collection that caters to your imagination. I have always been an admirer. When I presented my portfolio and there was an interest reciprocated, it was a perfect match, especially because I would get a chance to instruct students in an environment immersed in art. 

TMA: Lastly, is there any advice you’d give to someone who is new to art and skeptical about taking an art class? 

Vaishali: Art is open to interpretation. It is a way for other people to guess what was going on in your mind when you were creating it, it intrigues people about you without you uttering a single word. Even, in the future, when you look at your old work, it will help remind you of the thoughts you were experiencing at that moment. It’s an everlasting way of remembering yourself, an imprint left behind. So why not enjoy exploring that side of you? It is worth a try! 

TMA: Thanks so much for having this little chat with us, Vaishali! We look forward to all the classes you’re teaching this season, and many more in the future!