Today we’d like to introduce you to Waddie CrazyHorse.
Waddie, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
I was lucky enough to be born into a family of silversmiths in New Mexico. I grew up admiring my fathers work and eventually apprenticed with him during high school.
Upon graduating from university in 2011 there weren’t many jobs that appealed to me (plus I knew I did not want to have a boss) so I doubled down and established my own jewelry workshop in the San Francisco Bay Area. It was a very tough but defining time for me and I came away with many good life lessons learned, and a greater appreciation for the freedom art gives me.
In 2016 I relocated to San Diego seeking warmer waters and sunshine. I work out of my home garage and show with my family at two large Native American art shows per year. I also have my work in a few galleries in the Southwestern US and also in Japan.
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Initially, finding financing was a tough task. I began this journey in 2012, and the Recession had made banks very weary of loaning money to young, high-risk entrepreneurs. I spun my wheels with the traditional lenders for a few months before turning to my university network. I found someone willing to make a $10,000 loan, and the rest is history.
Waddie CrazyHorse Jewelry – what should we know? What do you guys do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
I specialize in producing bold, clean contemporary jewelry in silver and gold: pendants, bracelets, earrings, buckles, and rings.
My signature works feature negative space designs and strong lines. My creative mantra is “less is more” and this applies to the function of the pieces as well. All jewelry can be worn and enjoyed every day, not just a fancy dinner or events. I create with love and intention, and I hope my customers can feel this when they pick up a piece.
What moment in your career do you look back most fondly on?
My biggest achievement would have to be figuring out a very healthy work/play balance. One of the main motivations for self-employment was freedom: freedom of expression, freedom from the grind of the clock, and freedom to explore the world. I work to live. I am incredibly lucky because my jewelry enables me to live well.
My life has become a sine curve which fluctuates between work and travel. I have visited thirty countries so far and have gained so much self-knowledge during my adventures. I also pick up inspiration during museum visits or by simply admiring the leaves of a glistening fern.
Beautiful patterns are everywhere in nature, one only needs to be aware to notice them.
Pricing:
- Prices depend on the materials and the time involved in making the piece. Most pieces are in the $200-$500 range.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.waddiecrazyhorse.com
- Phone: 5056701679
- Email: wcrazyhorse@gmail.com
- Instagram: Wadimus
- Facebook: facebook.com/waddiecrazyhorse
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