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The Life of Jewelry Designer Lucy Lowe

~ Linda Leier Thomason ~ Leave a comment

Meet Jewelry Designer, Lucy Lowe

Photo Credit: Meg Simpson

Lucy Lowe is a woman who welds and measures millimeters by eye. Commanding skills in a jewelry design studio.

Officially she’s a goldsmith and jewelry designer.

What inspires this former North Dakotan, now living and designing in Traverse City, Michigan, are the magic of transformational materials and the beauty of creating an end product vastly different from the state in which it began.

She first saw this exciting transformative process as a 6-year-old, watching glass blowers creating goblets while she and her family were visiting Haleiwa, Hawaii.

This memorable experience set her on a jewelry design journey.

 Art of Being an Artist

Lucy says the challenge of being an artist is daring to begin. “I’ve heard stories of would-be artists and designers who never gave themselves a chance to start.” They feared the unlikelihood of achieving wild success or widespread recognition. However, “those who do undertake the path of art or design rarely seem to leave it because the powerful drive to create has fully awoken in them.”

Being an artist and designer requires a great amount of conviction and flexibility. “One has to be prompt in seizing opportunity to succeed. Unduly holding back out of caution or fear, simply slows progress and breeds doubt.”

She openly admits this is still a work-in-progress for her. She keeps working on reaching out of her comfort zones to new growth experiences.

 Work & Life Values

The daughter of retired educators, Lucy is thoughtful in her approach to both business and life. Integrity, honesty and kindness lead her.

“In order to live with integrity, I must know what I believe and value on a core level.”

Honesty requires her to be open and vulnerable. It helps establish true and lasting connections with others.

“Kindness is the best gift I can practice for myself and others.”

Like many, Lucy has found herself being unkind to herself by undervaluing her worth. “I have worked demanding jobs for pay registering below the poverty line in businesses with high earnings. I thought that was okay because I assumed I mustn’t be worth a fair living wage.”

Today, she realizes the value she brings and understands she’s worthy of fair compensation.

Giving Brings Joy

Lucy’s greatest joy comes from helping others. This could be by creating a piece of jewelry commemorating a meaningful experience, listening to a  friend transform pain into growth, or spending time with her niece while she learns letters.

She enjoys being in outdoor, natural settings and drinking coffee. And, she volunteers for fun community events and donates to causes that align with her values.

Especially close to her heart is the non-profit Women Who Weld. This organization offers training to underemployed women to aid them in entering a relatively stable and in-demand profession.

Influencers

Lucy is fortunate to have outstanding role models for every aspect of her life. Her paternal grandparents deeply influenced her life. They encouraged and enabled her to experience things they valued, like international travel, classical music and higher education.

She is inspired and moved by the words and message of the 14th Dalai Lama.

She loves the Danish silversmiths of the 1900s.

Her design role model is Art Smith. “His work was so playful, yet considered. It’s a beautiful characterful minimalism. It endlessly inspires me.”

Work/Life Balance

Lucy is a work/life balance advocate.

“We are somewhat programmed for a certain kind of success in this culture, which can mean high pay, recognition, and progressive promotions.” This may be the right path for some, but not all.

“I’ve noticed many instances of young professionals stepping away from this idea of success because they see the detrimental impact it has on their lives. Work/life balance is a personal formula that people can only determine for themselves.”

Personal

Helping balance Lucy’s life is her husband of seven years, Cory, a physical therapist. Cory is a creative-minded woodworker. He helps build and design displays and make studio modifications.

Lucy trusts him to offer honest, clear-sighted and logical feedback-each critically important as she grows more connected to the Traverse City community and explores greater opportunity.

Days Ahead

Currently, Lucy’s designing a really functional studio. She’s going to keep taking brave design and business leaps to set her heart racing. She’s learning to trust the process along the way.

Join her.

Visit a gallery displaying her work. Purchase a piece online. Buy direct from an artist, like Lucy.

Purchase Lucy’s Designs 

  • Higher Art Gallery in Traverse City, MI Link www.higherartgallery.com 
  • Gold and Jaye Jewelry in Traverse City, MI www.facebook.com/goldandjaye
  • Purloin Studio Purloin Studio in Menomonee Falls, WI. https://purloinstudio.com/
  • Pieces can also be purchased at http://squareup.com/store/lucylowejewelry
  • Instagram @lucylowejewelry. Instagram link.

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Let’s spread the word about Lucy’s talent and art pieces available for purchase.

©Copyright. July 2018. Linda Leier Thomason
All Rights Reserved.

Linda Leier Thomason is a former CEO who writes freelance business and travel stories, along with feature articles. Her work experiences include a Fortune 500 corporation, federal government, entrepreneurship and small business. Find out more about Linda by clicking the “Meet Linda” tab above. Interested in working together? Complete this form .

Shop Small Business Fashion Art

~ Linda Leier Thomason ~ Leave a comment

My Photography is Now Available as Fashion Art

A few months back I was contacted by a San Francisco, California based company, Vida. They asked to use my photography for a number of custom-made fashion items and accessories. By agreeing to this, I can now offer  followers, friends and family my photography on custom-made items. Today, accent pillows, tops, scarves, pocket squares, wraps, and totes are available for purchase at “Linda’s Store” on this website.

Vida often gives me discount codes and coupons to pass on to you. Watch for these on my Facebook page and on the “Linda’s Store” tab on this website. Note each one has an expiration date and time. Items are hand-made. Read the description to see expected delivery date. Sizes are also described on each item.

Shop Small Business

Remember, with a purchase you are not only supporting my small business but buying a custom-made piece of art. Know how deeply I appreciate your support of both-my photography and my small business.

Share a Photo of You

When you purchase, share a photo of you wearing your fashion or showing your tote or pillow. I’d love to see it and share it with others.

Here is a sample of photographs customers have shared to date. Let me add yours!

Remember, if you see a photo that you’d like made into a top, scarf, tote bag, square or oblong pillow, wrap, or pocket square, contact me. I have complete design control over the photographic images.

Enjoy “Oh, Pretty Woman” by Roy Orbison while shopping and looking at the photographs customers have shared.

 

Donna looking great in her cashmere Mt. Rainier modal scarf
Donna looking great in her Cashmere Mt. Rainier Modal Scarf
Diane's Beatrice Flowers Tote is perfect for a day of errands.
Diane’s Beatrice Flowers Tote is perfect for a day of errands.
Peach Rose Cashmere Modal looks stunning on Brenda.
Peach Rose Cashmere Modal Scarf looks stunning on Brenda.
kathy-collection
Kathy wearing her North Dakota Sky Modern Tee

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Bonnie modeling her Coffee Cashmere Modal Scarf.
Bonnie modeling her Coffee Cashmere Modal Scarf

©Copyright November 2016 Linda Leier Thomason

All Rights Reserved.

“Murder Ballad” Kills It-A Review

~ Linda Leier Thomason ~ Leave a comment

dsc_3926The musical, Murder Ballad, running through November 20, 2016 in the  Howard Drew Theatre at the  Omaha Community Playhouse (OCP) tells a tale of an affair gone bad. Unlike most love triangle stories, the adulterer here is a young mother and wife named Sara. Played by award-winning actress Leanne Hill Carlson, Sara escapes the doldrums of everyday married life and reconnects with former boyfriend Tom, played by Thomas Gjere. Their acrobatic use of bar counters and pool tables lends a creative steaminess to the love affair. Sara’s devoted husband, Michael, played by John E. Jones, loves her, despite her flaws and her obvious distaste of the drudgery of life- “Who will I be from 9-3?”

The story is narrated by the incredibly talented and humorous Mackenzie Dehmer who captivates the audience with her voice as well as her movements throughout the bar. The four-piece orchestra, seen on set, accentuates the drama but sometimes overpowers the voices.

A special highlight of this production is the functioning bar. An hour before start, guests are welcome to go on stage to order a drink, sit on a bar stool, play pool at the table, drop a quarter in the pinball machine or sit back and watch TV above the bar. Guests may even sit on the 12 bar seats at no additional cost during the performance.

Guest Reaction

Lyn and Natalie before showtime.
Lyn and Natalie before showtime.

Lyn Leach did. The stage is comfortable to him as an avid theater patron and actor. He’s starred in 8 productions and is the past president of the Lincoln Community Playhouse. He and his wife, Natalie, are OCP season subscribers who see about 50 shows a year, including recently seeing “Hamilton” in New York City.

Lyn admits, before attending the play, he knew nothing more about it than it was a musical, set in a bar and involved a murder. He enjoyed the wonderful voices most. “The purity of the harmonies and the notes they hit were impressive.”

“It was a fantastic show.  I loved the character development. I believed and understood each of them. And, I really liked the way the narrator worked the room and some of the comical places she ended up, which added life to her.”

Murder Ballad does contain situations of infidelity, adult language and mild violence. Lyn believes it’s especially appealing for a young, progressive audience. “I really love that OCP is making every effort to broaden its patron base by including more edgy and progressive plays. Their interesting and entertaining productions are at a level of quality far above the typical community theatre.”

Lyn sums up Murder Ballad this way. “It’s a musical that will take you on a journey of deception, sensuality, love, heartbreak, and above all, passion. It is one of the best overall productions in years at the Omaha Community Playhouse. As an audience member, you will feel like you are directly involved in the story. The music is phenomenal, the voices supreme, and the acting is outstanding. Get a ticket and experience the exhilarating journey yourself.”

Get a Ticket

Do this by calling the OCP Box Office at (402) 553-0800 or online at www.OmahaPlayhouse.com or www.TicketOmaha.com. Single tickets are $42 for adults and $25 for students. Tickets for groups of 12 or more are $30 for adults and $20 for students.

A limited number of Twilight Tickets are available at half price after noon the day of the performance at the Box Office. Cash or check only. These are subject to availability.

Sponsored by:  Le Voltaire Restaurant/Le Petit Paris, The Berry & Rye, David and Anne Rismiller, Whitmore Charitable Trust and CW15 (media sponsor)

Location:  Howard Drew Theatre | Omaha Community Playhouse 6915 Cass Street | Omaha, NE 68132

 

©Copyright. October 2016. Linda Leier Thomason

All Rights Reserved.

 

 

 

 

 

 


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Omaha North Hills Pottery Tour

~ Linda Leier Thomason ~ 2 Comments

Pottery Tour-1st Weekend in October, Every Year

SAVE THE DATES

Click the link below to find everything you need to know for the Omaha North Hills Pottery Tour.

Omaha North Hills Pottery Tour

Below is a review of the 2016 experience.

enzosA funny thing happened on the way to Enzo’s. We discovered a whole new side of Omaha and ditched our previously made weekend plans. It was our first time dining in historic Florence Omaha since relocating 15 months ago. We were eager to experience both the community and the food. Neither disappointed. The restaurant was brimming with people, conversation and aromas, reminding me of Sunday afternoons in the homes of Italian friends. The tiramisu alone will draw us back, often.

Exit 13 off 680 in Northeast Omaha is familiar to us; we take it every time we fly out of Eppley Airfield. But like many, in our hurriedness, we never paid attention to the exit surroundings. That is, until Friday night. 101Pottery Tour yard signs were well posted. Some were placed near a historical looking brown building right under the Morman Bridge one crosses to enter Nebraska from Iowa.

Parks

Saturday morning we headed north off Exit 13 on John Pershing Drive. Surprise! We drove past a Coast Guard station. The Coast Guard was familiar in our former home, Charleston, South Carolina, but a bit of a surprise here. We drove through N.P. Dodge Memorial Park  and explored Hummel Park . Wow! Omaha has done a great job of preserving and using green space.

Florence Mill

Florence MillWe headed back to that brown building: Florence Mill– to discover it’s on the National Register of Historic Places. The first Saturday in October it’s a stop on the Omaha North Hills Pottery Tour. Visitors were purchasing pumpkins, having lunch and viewing the work of five artists including, Susan McGilvrey. Susan explained not only the building’s history but also the pottery tour to us. (Thank you, Susan!) We were hooked. Having visited Seagrove, North Carolina’s 365-day pottery show multiple times, there was no way we’d miss this self-guided tour of four stops and 19 clay artists. Off we went.

Dennison Pottery

Dennison Pottery was our second stop on the Tour.  The road there was new d0to us, but clearly not to others. Vehicles lined both sides of the gravel path. Walking up to the shop, one heard jazz sounds by Dan Livingston and the buzz of conversation. Five artists displayed their wares while guests lingered over complimentary soup, wine, and baked goods. Benches and a fire pit invited all to stay, mingle and connect. It was clear many there frequent often. We’d have stayed longer, but there were two more stops on the tour. It was just that welcoming.

Too Far North Wine

Travis Hinton Too Far North Wine in Fort Calhoun, NE was our next stop. One couldn’t miss the location with the well-placed signs and the overflowing crowd loitering outside the store’s entrance. Inside was stuffed with patrons at the wine bar, making the space tight and warm. Travis Hinton and Eric Knoche were busily explaining and selling their wares, but not too busy to engage in meaningful conversation with patrons, including us.

Detour

ccAs an aside, we curiously entered Cure Cooking next door to the wine shop. What a fascinating find! Chad was giving demonstrations and answering questions about upcoming classes. This business is another great example of people pursuing their passion and building a business around it. We wish he and his business much success!

Big Table Studios

bt1The tour ended near Herman, NE at Big Table Studios in the rolling hills above the Missouri River Valley. The farmstead was packed with guests enjoying complimentary pizza, sweets and beverages while visiting and shopping on a cloudy October afternoon. Seven artists displayed their varied outstanding work. Liz Vercruysse‘s  seed pod pieces hanging from trees captured our immediate attention. I wish I’d have met her, or any of the other artists on site.

On the journey back we marveled at how letting go of previously made weekend plans turned the first weekend in October into one of our favorite since relocating. Yes, we will do this  pottery tour again. And, we’ve already invited others to join us on the journey. Will we meet you on the tour?

Comment & Mark Your 2018 Calendar

abaHave you explored the area off Exit 13 on 680? What else should we see and do?

Comment below about your impressions of the pottery tour.

Linda Leier Thomason is a former CEO who writes freelance business and travel stories, along with feature articles. Her work experiences include a Fortune 500 corporation, federal government, entrepreneurship and small business. Find out more about Linda by clicking the “Meet Linda” tab above. Interested in working together? Complete this form below.

Share this story with others so they can put the Omaha North Hills Pottery Tour on their annual calendar.

©Copyright. October 2016. Linda Leier Thomason

All Rights Reserved.