I have always been interested in making jewelry, wearable objects, and items that are either useable or have an implied use. Jill Baker Gower interviewed by Klimt02

Tell us about your background. What were your first influences to be creative and become an artist and what has drawn you to contemporary jewellery?
I grew up in the Chicago area and, as a child, made jewelry from beads, wire, string, and whatever other materials I could get my hands on. I studied art at the University of Wisconsin, Madison where I was introduced to metalsmithing by Fred Fenster. I fell in love with the medium, the meticulous nature of the processes, and the problem-solving involved. I went on to receive an MFA in Metals from Arizona State University. I have always been interested in making jewelry, wearable objects, and items that are either useable or have an implied use.
 

How important is networking for you in your professional practice, and what are your preferred tools for this?
Networking is extremely important, and my artistic career benefited immensely from being a member of the Society of North American Goldsmiths and from a residency at Arrowmont School of Arts and Crafts in Gatlinburg, TN. Instagram is my preferred social media tool to stay informed about what is going on in the field.
 
 
Thinking about your career, what role do technology and the digital play in your artistic development & communication?
I use 3D modeling software to develop plans for fabricating my work and to create 3D models for printing in wax. Technology is a valuable tool that challenges me to continue to learn new methods of making.