How Long Have You Lived In Ardsley? To be technical, my studio is in Ardsley but I live just across the line in Parkside and have been there for 20 years. 

I live with my husband Lance, daughter Mia (16) and daughter Indie (13) and a crazy dog named Stella. I was born and raised in Wilson, NC. 

I create jewelry that is modern, feminine and meaningful. I work in sterling silver and use traditional metalsmithing methods like a jeweler saw, hand files, sandpaper and a hand-held torch to solder. I have always enjoyed adding meaning to my work. When my daughters were born I used many themes of motherhood throughout my work. Themes like balance, strength and perseverance can still be found in most of my work. I moved to Savannah from NC after college and found studio space in City Market. I eventually became Chroma Gallery's artist in residence at 33 Barnard then after a couple of years I turned the space into a cooperative gallery named Kobo Gallery. Currently, my studio is located in Christine Hall's photography studio. As for my progression, I believe as we get older we become smarter in the ways of what works and what does not work. My designs now still stay true to where they were rooted but reflect a less is more approach. Clean lines with a delicate nature.   

My daughters inspire me. To watch them grow and become such lovely people is a constant reminder of what is good and pure in life. Teaching them how to get up when they fall down or how to push through times that require the extra mile, these gentle life reminders inspired me to create a current line of work I call Going with the Flow. In this body of work, I assemble organic lines that flow together almost creating a crescent shape representing the flow of life. On these pieces, I interrupt the smooth surface with a file by indenting 2 or 3 lines into the silver to create a divot. These divots represent the notion of something that is trying to derail you but you can't just give up, you must keep moving and flowing. 

One proud moment was when I won Best of Show at the Telfair Art Fair. My oldest daughter was almost a year old and my workbench was shoved in the corner of my kitchen at the time. I really didn't know what I was getting myself into but I knew it was a prestigious show. When they called my name I cried like Miss America winning her crown. It has been gratifying to create wedding bands, birthday presents, Mother's day gifts, and special tokens of love but the pieces of work that make me proud are the ones I have donated to Hospice, those pieces always make my heart smile. Being that my creative force is jewelry, I feel honored to create something that people want to wear on the outside as a part of their own vibe or personality. When I see someone wearing my jewelry I smile from the inside out. 

How do Ardsley Park residents find your artwork and/or support you in the future? 

My studio is located at 3305 Waters Ave in Christine Hall's photography studio on the corner of 49th and Waters Ave. I have work displayed in her studio and will gladly take appointments to meet anyone who would like to see my work. You can also find my work at the lovely Terra Cotta boutique downtown. I also do local pop-ups and shows. This fall I will be selling my work at the IOH Art and Music Festival on October 21st and will also be at the Service Brewing Holiday Makers Market on December 2nd. Alongside those events, I also host a Holiday open house every December at my studio. 

Follow me on Instagram for more info @heatherlindseystewart.