“South Carolina Voyager” introduces…
Hi Kate, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I was born and raised in Greenville and began handcrafting metal jewelry at Greenville’s Fine Art Center in high school. I quickly fell in love with the tools and processes used to create precious items out of hard metal and fragile gemstones, and I have stayed on that path ever since.
I graduated from the University of Georgia in 2008 with my BFA in Jewelry and Metalsmithing and from Rhode Island School of Design in 2012 with my MFA in the same. Throughout those years I also traveled to Latin America, lived in Wyoming and New York City, worked as a whitewater raft guide, and worked for several established jewelry designers and makers.
Ever since returning to Greenville in 2012, I have focused on my own jewelry designs and business. Currently, I am a full-time jewelry designer, goldsmith, and business owner in my cozy studio (open by appointment and available at katefurman.com) located in the Village of West Greenville. I specialize in handmaking fine jewelry and engagement rings with a raw and refined flare.
Alright, 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?
It has been a relatively smooth (long) road, but I have learned a lot of lessons along the way. My art school background did not teach me a lot about tracking inventory, budgeting, paying taxes, and all of the necessities of running a business.
Luckily with a strong support system, continuing education classes, and some “learning the hard way” I am now able to juggle being an artist, a designer, and a businesswoman.
Have you learned any interesting or important lessons due to the Covid-19 Crisis?
I lost my mother, my best friend, and inspiration, to Covid-19 and Pancreatic Cancer in 2020. Losing her woke me up to the fragility of life and our own mortality.
I now recognize the importance of heirlooms as ways to continue a legacy or story and to honor an occasion or special moment in our own lives. I take that seriously while creating a piece of jewelry as important as an engagement ring or as special as resetting your grandmother’s diamond.
I am honored that my clients trust me to take on such an important role for them.
see the full interview here…
https://southcarolinavoyager.com/interview/life-work-with-kate-furman-of-greenville/