Meet Jason Janow | Custom Jewelry Artist

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

Hi Jason, other than deciding to work for yourself, what was the single most important decision you made that contributed to your success?
At one point, well into my career path of being a jewelry artist, I had a moment when I felt like I needed to make a tough decision. I remember the moment well. I was sitting on my bed, undergoing financial stress, and I was contemplating getting a job. Prior to jewelry I was a carpenter and a job superintendent, and in that field, I knew I could get a job anytime, anywhere. It was at that moment that I decided to forge ahead with my jewelry career, and stop making excuses. I felt like I had all the skills necessary to make a living with jewelry, and to do so, I had to be smart and somewhat analytical. To sum it up, I felt like the opportunity was there, I just needed to quit having doubt, and do what needed to be done to pay the bills with jewelry.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I live in an area where there are many great artists and jewelers. I attribute some of my success to staying with a certain look in my jewelry. I want people to know when a piece of jewelry was made by Jason Janow. It is a challenge to create new and exciting work, evolve with skills and design, and maintain a “look” that is recognizable. Somehow I’ve managed to do that along the way. In some ways it feels limiting at times; I used to struggle with it more. However, I embrace it, and feel fortunate to have a look that is recognizable. I feel like it’s part of my job to maintain that look; I feel like it’s smart to maintain that look. Of course, an artist needs to stray from the path here and there to feed the soul.

Jewelry has always been intriguing to me. My grandmother used to let me go through her jewelry box . I made my first necklace for myself because I couldn’t find one that I wanted to wear – nothing I saw represented me. I was a teenager then, and began to make some primitive jewelry over the years following. I never once thought about a career in jewelry, until a couple of decades later. So when I make jewelry, it is with a passion that’s been in me for a long time.

I create work that is straight from nature. Those who love my work want to wear my designs because they represent them, at least in some way, maybe for a day, or perhaps everyday.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Aw man, let’s see. I would start with the quaint little town I work in just outside of Asheville. Weaverville is the home of Miya Gallery where my studio is, and the small main street has Mangum pottery, a sweet bakery, a few great restaurants, and some great breweries. To really get down though, we’d have to go to the city. Barley’s is old school beer and food and upstairs is a nice pool hall. Don’t worry, I’m not good enough to take your money. We’d probably need to hit a rooftop bar a time or two – they’re all the rage. And let’s see, we could go to about 75 breweries if we had the time, but I’d probably just hit the South Slope and hit a few, all with in a throwing rock’s distance. If it’s good fishing weather, we’re either going to fly fish for trout or cast for smallmouth bass on some of my local river hotspots. I love to start a bonfire in my backyard as well, and my wife Erin, a wonderful potter, loves to cook and host.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
There are 3 people who come to mind. First, my sister, Heather, who told me about a jewelry school that I should look into. That school was Haywood Community College, and Robert Blanton was my instructor. Robert didn’t hand out compliments, but he instilled confidence, and recognized my potential. Rather than trying to steer me, he facilitated my growth as a metalsmith and artist. The other person that comes to mind, is a friend by the name of Amanda Bullington-Cunningham. Amanda told me from day one that I was going to do great, and be a great jewelry maker one day. Many others supported me along the way, including my parents Larry and Phyllis.

Website: www.jasonjanowjewelry.com

Instagram: JasonJanowJewelry

Facebook: JasonJanowJewelry

Image Credits
Kristin Rust Photography Stewart Stokes