Meet Matthew Seeds | Jeweler & Metalsmith

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

Hi Matthew, why did you pursue a creative career?
From an early age I knew I wanted to pursue a life in the Arts. With both parents and an older sibling all working in creative fields, my family has always had a deep appreciation for creative expression of all kinds. My own artistic experiences and interest in geology led me to the world of metalsmithing early in college, building on years of mechanical interest and working with metal. I enjoy being able to express myself through the medium of jewelry. It’s a wonderful feeling to be able to create heirloom objects for people, entirely by hand and out of precious materials that will last for generations. I pursue a career in fine jewelry because I want to share my knowledge and provide my customers with something unique that they identify with and can wear with pride.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
My own work as a jewelry designer focuses on celebrating the natural world. With colors, textures and concepts inspired by the outdoors, I try to create each piece as an expression of what it means to experience nature’s beauty. With two degrees in Jewelry and Metalsmithing, I have learned many exciting techniques along the way and continually try to expand my capabilities. As many working artists have experienced, it is not always easy or even possible to practice your skills due to the constraints of space and equipment. I myself have experienced periods of little to no capability to make my work thanks to housing limitations and lack of equipment. Often it is a slow crawl, as it has been for me, for studio artists to build up the foundation of stable housing with a studio space and the tools necessary to perform their craft. Along my journey of creating a place to practice my art, I have learned that construction and business skills are just as important as artistic skills when it comes to running a creative business yourself in the studio arts. It is a wonderful sense of accomplishment to be able to make work in your own home studio, and provide clients with hand made quality jewelry that expresses who they are. I make work that is inclusive to everyone and love working directly with clients to bring out their individuality in each piece, using my artistic knowledge to hone in on the perfect design for each person.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Grand Junction has a lot to offer, particularly if you enjoy outdoor activities. First stop (weather permitting) would be to visit the observatory on top of Grand Mesa up Lands End Road. The lookout from the top is a great view of Grand Valley, allowing anyone to instantly get a lay of the land and see multiple mountain ranges in different directions. If you get hungry on your way back in town, stop at Pablo’s Pizza or Taco Party for a quick bite. Later for a more formal meal hit up 626 On Rood for some delicious and vegan friendly entrees. Stop for drinks at inclusive and welcoming bars like Two Rivers or Charlie Dwellington’s. For some more excitement try out the mountain bike trails at Lunch Loops or Kokopeli’s Trail or get on a dirtbike and explore the Fruita Desert and Third Flats trails. For an interesting day trip to an adjacent town, visit nearby Paonia for a fun and colorful experience in a welcoming and artistic mountain community.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Throughout the up’s and down’s of navigating a career in the Arts the support of friends and family are crucial to maintaining a positive outlook and forward momentum. Without the support of my spouse, Leanne, and my parents, I would not be where I am today. The artistic encouragement from my art peers has been invaluable as well from friends made in school as well as from the community.

Website: https://avalanchemetalworks.com/

Instagram: avalanche_metalworks

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/matthewlorenseeds/

Other: Primary Email Contact: m.loren.seeds@gmail.com