Ep 99: Norah Payne - Following What Feels Like You & Rebuilding a Life Through Metalsmithing
Norah Payne first found her way to metalsmithing years ago, studying jewelry design before stepping away from it for over a decade. When she returned, it wasn’t with a clear plan, but as something to hold onto during a deeply isolated time. What began there slowly became the work she couldn’t imagine letting go of.
In this episode, we talk about building a body of work without forcing it… allowing your style to develop naturally, following what feels right, and letting the materials lead. Norah shares how she works intuitively, often starting with the stone, and why focusing on one piece at a time keeps her connected to the process.
We also touch on the realities many independent artists are facing right now… slower sales, rising material costs, and the challenge of staying visible. Norah shares about losing her home and studio in a wildfire, and what it meant to begin again, along with the support she received from the jewelry community as she rebuilt.
A conversation about returning to what you love and building something that feels like your own.
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