In the Studio with Colleen Puglia – A Slowmade Collective Member Spotlight
Colleen tell us a little about you and your work.
I work from my home basement studio in Flemington NJ. I’ve been metalsmithing for about 20 years. During those 20 years I worked full time in the orthodontic field and created jewelry in my free time. I retired in 2019 and continue to make jewelry part time. I feel like I create by whim. I love the dark, moody and raw aesthetic but sometimes am drawn to florals and more polished pieces.
How did you first come to your craft?
I always loved creating and was surrounded by creative people. My mom sewed our clothes, decorated our home in the most beautiful fabrics and furniture, refinished furniture and was a watercolor artist after her retirement. My sister, also a creative, told me of an online metalsmithing class. When I first lit the torch I felt the fire in my soul. I continued taking classes every opportunity I had. Learning from different artists and learning different modalities gave me such a broad scope of education. I continue to do online classes when I can.
What do you love most about having a creative business?
Freedom! Although working for myself is difficult because I have to be accountable to myself it gives me the freedom to go slow when I need or want and amp up when I have shows coming up. I try hard not to be critical of my way of running a business and remember this is another chapter of my life that I get to choose the speed and productiveness.
What do you love most about being in the Collective?
The honesty and generosity of the other artists. Realizing that we all struggle and having the support and acceptance of other creatives is invaluable.I love listening to the Slowmade Podcasts. They are full of such beautiful and rich stories, interesting creatives with an abundance of experience and so many nuggets of useful tips.
What’s been challenging you lately in your work or business?
With the arrival of Spring, I feel pulled in 2 directions. I want to create in the studio but want to be outdoors in the garden. I would love a garden shed/studio where I could be surrounded by the things I love, flowers, tools and metal.
What’s something outside of your work that fills you up right now?
My garden. I grow dahlias and zinnias in every size shape and color along with other cut flowers that I love to share. Like metalsmithing I go down rabbit holes trying to learn everything and anything about these flowers. But the greatest joy is sharing them.
Are you a “clean bench” person or a “creative chaos” person?
I tend to be both at different times. When I first get in the studio I need to put things away and organize the area. My bench is somewhat organized but holds so many unfinished pieces, yummy stones and possibilities. I am an “ out of sight, out of mind person” so I need to be surrounded by the things that will give me some inspiration and direction.
Colleen on Instagram: @rustic_heart_studio
Colleen’s Website: rusticheartstudio.com