Meet Lauren Smith | Creative and Metalsmith

We had the good fortune of connecting with Lauren Smith and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Lauren, what are you inspired by?
I have to be honest, there was not much initial thought process when I first started metalsmithing and created Cosmic Heart Arts (my business name) . I really had no idea it was going to turn into what it is now, or even turn into a “business”. In the beginning, I was focusing on just learning the basics and honing in my skill (shoot, I’m still doing that!). As I began selling, I just went with the flow and have slowly been building it over time. I am more of a creative than a business person, so sometimes it feel like reinventing the wheel when it comes to the business side of things.

Some conventional advice I disagree with….The whole hustle and grind mentality does not sit well with me. For me, as an artist, I have to take time to slow down, recharge, and find new inspiration. When I first started, I was seeing other jewelers on social media constantly releasing monthly collections, posting, and just going all the time. I wondered how they were doing it (more power to them!). I tried that out and quickly felt burnt out and inauthentic. I was just making to make, and that’s not what I want to be doing, ever. When I create from a space that is grounded and centered, it really shows. Same as when I’m burnt out or frenzied, the solder just does not flow.

How do I think about risk…. What’s the cheesy saying, “Nothing great happens in the comfort zone?”. Cheesy it may be, it is true. Putting yourself, your business, your art out into the world is a risk! It’s terrifying; it’s thrilling; and it really makes me feel alive. I like to find myself somewhere between my comfort zone, but safely away from what I like to call “the panic zone”. I still feel anxious when I ship every order thinking, “will they love it? will they hate it?” And I think that’s a risk you take as an artist. It’s so vulnerable to put something you made with your own to hands out in the world….it’s an extension of yourself. Most the time, I find it’s well received, and if it’s not, that’s why return policies exist 🙂

Habits that have helped me succeed… I think the biggest thing for me has been to slow it down. That’s kind of been my motto lately, and it’s helped me a lot. I tend to get very excited about things and want everything to happen over night. I have all these big dreams and ideas, and then I pause, slow down, and remind myself “you have to learn to walk before you can run” . Slow it down. For me that looks like taking days off, going on long walks, spending time in nature, and just playing in the studio.

Most important factor behind success…. I guess success really looks different to everyone, right? That’s so subjective. For me, success is being able to do what I love full time and still being able to support myself. It looks like creating heirloom style sterling silver jewelry for people to love and live in for a lifetime or more. I think the most important factor behind all of that, is believing in myself and following through. For so long I felt like I was my own biggest obstacle, and I was standing in my own way. I think many of us know that feeling, and getting through it looks different for everyone.

Most important lesson your business/career has taught you….Do I only pick one!? I have learned so much since I created Cosmic Heart Arts, and I am a super young business (less than 2 yrs old!). One thing that really stands out, is do what you love; do something you are passionate about. Growing up, my dad would always tell me to find something to do (a career) that I loved and how important that was. He could not stress enough that it was not about the money; money does not buy happiness. It seems so simple, and it is so true! As up and down, of a roller coaster owning a business/being an artist can be, I love it. I wake up everyday looking forward to getting in my studio, and I still get excited at every order placed. I love what I do and I know it shows in my work. I feel like I show up in the world a better person, because I am overall happy and doing something I’m passionated about almost everyday. It really does not feel like a job, and yet somehow, I still get paid to do it. How sweet is that?

Work life balance…..I guess when you are super passionate about what you’re doing, it kind of consumes you, but in a good way. I do have to force myself to take breaks and slow down to prevent burn out and also so I don’t completely wreck my physical body. The main thing I struggle with in terms of balance, are social media. Most of my income/sales come through my website and instagram, which means constantly staying plugged in and active through posts, stories, and now the ever dreaded reels. I’ve long given up on trying to crack the algorithms, and just look at it all as another creative outlet. Once I started viewing social media as a creative project, other than a necessity to survive, I began having a lot more fun with it. So now if I’m physically tired or waiting on an order of silver before I can dive into my next project, I channel my creative energy by creating content for my site or instagram. Or if I’m feeling burnt out from social media, I don’t post. For me and my business, authenticity is super important to me. If it’s not coming from an authentic place, I take a break, whether that’s from social media, the studio, etc.

Idea for my business…. It might sound weird, but I was following a few jewelers online that I really admired and one day I just thought “I want to do that; I want to be a metalsmith”. It was really random, and it was during peak covid, so I had time to learn a new skill. I saved up some money to invest in a proper bench and all the tools. For me, it was quite an initial investment, so at that point I really had to commit to learning the skill. I picked up a torch and never looked back.

Why did you pursue and artistic or creative career? I have had so many different jobs over the year in so many different realms; some I stuck with longer than others. I would get really frustrated with myself that I wasn’t finding anything that seemed to stick. There was a few years back, before I was metalsmithing, where I was really frustrated with myself because I felt lost. I didn’t know what I wanted to “be”, I wasn’t really passionate about what I was currently doing, or I would just get bored with every job. It’s funny looking back now because I can so clearly see that I was missing that creative outlet. Being an artist or any sort of creative is challenging, exciting and filled with boundless growth and potential. There’s always a new technique, a new idea, something that you can be on the brink of….and I really thrive on that. I find so much joy and purpose in making jewelry. Jewelry is so personal, so close to us. Jewelry takes us back in time, reviving old memories. It connects us with others, in symbols of love and commitment. It makes us feel beautiful and renewed. It bring our ancestors back to life, in our hearts and minds. A symbol of our love, our intentions; it is an extension of ourselves and our unique expression. I could go on and on how incredible it is. All of this and more, is why I pursued and continue to grow Cosmic Heart Arts.

What am I inspired by?
I find a lot of inspiration from the creative community I have gotten to know over the past couple of years. I meet so many amazing artists, who generally have all been so welcoming, helpful, and great friends. I see what other artists are capable of, and I feel so inspired. I also draw a lot of inspiration from being out in nature, and the emotions of everyday life. There’s been a lot of heavy news these past few years….so much going, and it can feel so out of control. I recently have been very inspired by the concept of art as a form of activism, and the idea of creating beauty from chaos. I feel like that’s what I do with metal and a torch. When you’re melting metal and shaping it, it goes through some pretty chaotic and not so pretty processes, but then you refine it, polish it, set the stone…and you’re left with something so beautiful. When I’m feeling heavy and sad, I think, how can I transform what I’m feeling into some physical beauty? What can I make with this? It’s been a really interesting and helpful way for me to process my emotions. I’m also currently working on raffling a piece of jewelry every so often, with proceeds from the raffle being donated to different causes. There are so many causes that need our attention right now, and it feels like the least I can do.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
The drive to constantly create is currently keeping me very busy, as well as peak market season. I’ve been doing markets just about every weekend in and around Fort Collins and Denver. My days in between markets are consumed with making more pieces for the next show. Product is moving and it’s keeping me very busy! Grateful for that. On days where I’m unable to physically create something, I work on updating my website and creating content for social media. There’s always something to keep me busy.

I have explored all sorts of mediums from painting, music, Yoga, and more. The name Cosmic Heart Arts came to me on a brisk winter day back in 2016. At that time I was painting cosmic scenes of abstract nebulas, stars, and other celestial bodies. Not knowing what to do with it at the time, I shelved the name until November 2020. I don’t know why or how, but for some reason the name came back, as well as a series of events that led me to pick up a torch. I have been smithing ever since.

I intentionally create every piece by hand from my studio using high grade metals (brass, copper, sterling silver, etc.) and stone. Almost all of my stones are sourced directly from the miner’s, mine owners, and small lapidary businesses & families. Your purchase of my products supports my small business, as well as that of others!

I’m still a newb metalsmith, and still learning each and everyday. Pursuing this endeavor and starting Cosmic Heart Arts has been a big, fabulous roller coaster that has taught me so much about myself, put me into contact with incredible artists, new friends, and opened doors I could have never imagined. After losing my dad to a battle with cancer in 2016, I’ve realized life is short, and no day is guaranteed, so you might as well do something you love and have fun while you’re doing it. I love what I do, and I hope to have that shine through in each piece that I create.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I live and play in Fort Collins, Colorado. If we are referring to Denver, I always tell people to catch a show at Red Rocks, check out RINO, eat some delicious vegan food at City o’ City, or check out the local thriving Art scene.

If we are referring to Fort Collins, I always recommend to check out the beautiful River path (I prefer to walk along the Lee Martinez Park area), take a hike up Horsetooth, check out the farmers markets (you might just happen to catch me vending!), see a show at the Mishawaka up the canyon, or watch a local concert at the Lyric. There’s so many amazing things to do and see!

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I would love to dedicate this to my dad, Hoxie Smith (1954 – 2016). Although he never got to see my work as a metalsmith, he is the one who taught me to dream big and go for it. I don’t think I’d ever have gotten this far if it was not for his unconditional love and unwavering support.

Website: cosmicheartarts.com

Instagram: @cosmicheartarts

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Cosmic-Heart-Arts-110234724729221

Image Credits
Bio pic by Emily of Sweet Justice Photogaphy and the rest (jewelry photos) by Nicole of Lilac and Fern Photography