Meet Larissa McPherson | Metalsmith & Artist

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

Hi Larissa, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
Originally, I had started selling my art and jewelry (which is an art form itself) simply to get it out of my house. I was taking a beginning jewelry course and loving the process and had friends who wanted to wear what I was making. It started with simple square earrings and pendants. Once I started doing markets and heading towards having a small business, I continued to develop my skills and knew I needed to be around others who were also selling and making. I loved being in charge of the design decisions I was making and deciding when to sell for myself without being managed. This gave me room to experiment and learn. I see my business as a way to share an art form that I love and a way to feed my continued learning and training.

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.
Starting in art was not easy, especially without an undergraduate degree or much formal training. I had a minor in studio art in undergrad which helped and it was the connections there that got me to where I am now. I had the challenge of wanting to start in jewelry with no idea what steps to take – so I began asking around. I asked my friends with small businesses for advice on selling and marketing (the business side is not my forte) and my art friends about opportunities and ideas on where to get started. Through the journey, I learned about how important it is to simply ask questions and if it seems like a crazy idea – try it out! I am continuing to develop and explore my style and how I want to make it. What I am selling so far is the continued progression of learning which is nowhere close to perfect. My art is an extension of who I am and what I am interested in – which is why much of my jewelry explores organic and environmental themes. This fall (actually two weeks ago) I began my Masters of Fine Art program with a focus in jewelry and metalsmithing at the University of Georgia. It’s been overwhelming but extremely inspiring. Much of the next year I am focusing on exploring techniques, ideas, concepts, and materials and seeing where the wind takes me. I’ll be making work that isn’t only beautiful but also has a deeper conceptual meaning. This step is huge but exciting and I’m excited for how drastically different my jewelry will be this time next year.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
When it comes to good food and drinks, my go-to spot is the Battery with a stop at Superica (my favorite restaurant in the city – the queso fundido and the salsa veride are the best) and then a stop at Fat Tuesday’s for a fun slushy. I also love to spend time at the Grant Park Farmers Market with a stop by Buteco for some coffee. We would also go to a concert at the Masquerade. I also think any gallery show or event you can see at South River Artist Studios is a great time. Some other highlights: Sun in My Belly (for brunch) and Chrome Yellow (for coffee).

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I would like to thank my community for getting me to where I am today. My friends, my professors, and my mentors all encouraged me and supported me through my journey so far and continue to support me. My 3D and Intro to Jewelry professor, Casey McGuire, helped teach me, told me about opportunities, and helped me meet so many people who continue to be great friends and a strong artist community. So many that I know in Atlanta and Carrollton also helped me pursue this field and continue my artistic practice.

Website: https://larissamcpherson.godaddysites.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/metalsbylarissa/

Other: https://metalsbylarissa.bigcartel.com/