Meet Miles McDonald | Jeweler

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

Hi Miles, why did you decide to pursue a creative path?
Since I could remember, there really wasn’t any question of whether or not I would live an artistic life. Art was always my number one. I don’t even really feel like I chose it as a career, there was no choice in my case. I tried to avoid it for a period of my life right out of high school because everybody said art was not going to amount to anything. Most people say their early 20’s are the best times, though for me, those were the worst years of my life and postponed my destiny. I feel like I’d be so much further in my life and art career by now if I hadn’t waited until 26 to dive back in.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I’m most proud of my finalist placement in the 20th Anniversary Saul Bell Design Award. Selected from hundreds of applicants from around the world, in all ways of making jewelry, I was recognized in the top 5 in the Silver Creations category. This achievement propelled me further in my career than any other. It was also the first time wire wrapped jewelry had been recognized at such a prestigious level. Wire wraps, aka jewelry created with wire and gems, has traditionally never been recognized as fine jewelry, or hardly been respected as such. Which has been the number one challenge to overcome in my career. While I feel like myself and a few dozen others have broken that stigma, it generally still permeates the idea of wire wrapped jewelry to those unfamiliar with the newer designs, techniques and construction methods used in the top quality wire jewelry.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Denver area has a ton to see and do! Though for my friends visiting, the top spots for us to go to would have to be:

Meow Wolf Convergence Station would be a number one spot to check out for immersive art.

My friends just opened up their new shop, Catalyst Crystals and Jewelry. A must visit for art and crystal lovers.

Friday Art Walk in the Art District on Sante Fe. Definitely check out Threyda at the corner of 9th Ave.

Red Rocks Amphitheater for an evening show overlooking the Denver lights.

Boulder canyon, to get our feet in the creek, breathe in fresh air, and spend some time in the mountain vibes. Usually just at one of the many places to pull off on the canyon drive.

Cherry Creek North, for great atmosphere, food and drinks.
Also, Pearl Street in Boulder for the same.

There’s much more to experience in Denver just being open to the flow.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
The festival art culture as a whole deserves a shoutout in my journey. My experiences there introduced me to wire jewelry, inspirational art, collaboration and dedication to craft that I witnessed there. Many of the creators art these events spend many, many hard hours creating the experiences that really involve and capture all of your senses. Sometimes, most of the time, for very little pay and even smaller timelines.

Website: Theartofwire.com

Instagram: Instagram.com/theartofwire

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theartofwire

Youtube: Theartofwire

Other: Tik tok @theartofwire