Today we’d like to introduce you to Claudio Lopez.
Hi Claudio, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
Art has always been a passion of mine. Since an early age, I have always liked to work with my hands and I cultivated drawing and art through my teenage years and took up painting as an adult experimenting with realism, abstract and neorealism styles.
However, it wasn’t until 40 years later when I sought to combine my artistic ability with a career that I became a jewelry designer. As a child, I remember visiting jewelry design shops with my dad who owned a jewelry and watch retail business in Mexico City and being fascinated as I watched the masters work with gold, silver and stones and then polish the pieces into shiny jewelry.
I began making handcrafted jewelry in 2011 and began selling at local events in and around San Antonio. In 2012, I launched my website but soon realized that I needed to study techniques to diversify my designs. So that year, I enrolled at Austin Community College in Austin, Texas and learned the basics of metalsmithing and stone setting, studying such masters as Peter Carl Fabregé, Rene Lalique and Jacques Cartier. In 2016, I received my Associate’s degree in Applied Science in Jewelry at Austin Community College. Today my handcrafted designs range from classic styles to trendy free form art, incorporating Filigree, recycled silver, and free form jewelry, in both sterling silver and copper, many with natural stone accents. This year marks my 10th year as a jewelry designer. As I look back, I would like to extend my heartfelt thanks to my customers for reaffirming that unique jewelry designs are a wearable art form.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It has been a struggle because you complete with large retail jewelry stores who have deep pockets for advertising. But I have made a name for myself, little by little, by attending regional events and hosting Artisan Mercados where other artists and artisans sell their creations.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I specialize in handcrafted sterling silver and copper jewelry including earrings, rings, necklaces, pendants and bracelets. I use sterling silver, copper and natural stones, sturdy materials that will last a lifetime. All of my creations are unique and one of a kind. I can repeat pieces but they will be slightly different. I also offer custom designs as well as personalized jewelry with names and initials. In addition, I repair sterling silver jewelry.
I like to experiment with free form, something not seen too often in the industry.
My proudest moment was when was named Emerging Texas Artist at the 2013 Texas State Arts & Crafts Fair in Kerrville, Texas. I knew that I had mastered the techniques and that my jewelry was attractive.
What sets me apart from others is that I handcraft my jewelry. Most retailers use manufactured jewelry that has been cast into a mold and mass-produced.
How do you think about luck?
I think that luck can be an ingredient in finding success, but the major components are hard work and perseverance.
Pricing:
- My less expensive item is $25.
- My most expensive item is $180.
Contact Info:
- Email: info@athenasilversmith.com
- Website: www.athenasilversmith.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/athenasilversmith
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/athenasilversmith
- Twitter: www.twitter.com/athenasilversmi
