Conversations with Genevieve Flynn

Today we’d like to introduce you to Genevieve Flynn.

Hi Genevieve, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I have been active in the arts and craft world for over 45 years. My first foray into the jewelry-making field started After graduating high school in 1973 I opted not to go to college.

I took a year off and then went to a small trade school in Kansas City called the Kansas City School of Watchmaking and completed my studies in Jewelry Design, Jewelry Repair, and Hand Engraving. After completion of these courses in 1975, I went to work in the jewelry industry and worked at a small jewelry store doing designs and repairs for the retail public.

I worked at several different shops in Kansas City for over 7 years and then made the decision to start my own business. I did custom design and repairs through my wholesale business. During this period of time, I worked from my home in a small studio. In 1982, I had a baby. Juggling my work life and home life was a challenge but very rewarding. I continued to design and create my line of silver art jewelry and hollowware objects. It was in 1986 that I entered the world of the American Craft Council Craft shows. While simultaneously participating in these National shows I coordinated another national show in Baltimore for over 10 years.

After retiring from the craft show circuit in 2000, I began another career as an instructor in silversmithing.
2004, I opened a small retail business selling jewelers’ tools and materials and a small studio where classes were taught located on the east side of the Crossroads Arts District in Kansas City, MO. I reached out to National and international jewelry instructors to teach their techniques at the studio, in an intimate studio. In January 2011, I decided to move my school to a private studio based inside my home and dissolve the retail side.

I continue to invite instructors to teach as well as my continuing silversmithing classes that I teach. Throughout this time I continued to hone my skills by taking a few workshops in metals techniques that interested me. I focused on an ancient metals technique called repoussè. I have become quite proficient at this process and incorporate it into most of my works. I have received several important awards including the Saul Bell International Design award for Ssssssumptuous Teapot and most recently Best of Show for 3-dimensional Work in the Brookside Art Annual 2021.

For the last 5 years, I have been pursuing the craft market to sell my silver vessels and hollowware items either online or in person. I am currently waitlisted for the prestigious show Smithsonian Museum Craft Show 2022.

I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle-free, but so far would you say the journey has been a fairly smooth road?
Being an artist never promised that things would not be rocky. One of My First American Craft Shows in Baltimore was right in the middle of a recession. Needless to say, I have endured through several of these times and have had to recreate my business skills and my work.

Each time we have a market crash or inflation or a recession the arts are the first to be cut out in people’s finances. I have struggled to find the niche market that I have put my work into. I have always created higher-end pieces and a kind of artwork that commands higher prices.

Marketing has always been challenging for me as I don’t have a business background and have been the only one that wears all the hats in my business

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I would say that what sets me apart from other artists is my expertise in the repoussè technique. I pride myself in creating exquisite one of a kind heirloom-quality pieces of art. Since repoussè is not widely recognized in the everyday world of arts and crafts I find it important to not only sell my work but educate my buyers.

I feel that I am widely known for this technique but also for being a quality instructor. I pride myself on sharing the knowledge that I have acquired through the years.

Are there any apps, books, podcasts, blogs, or other resources you think our readers should check out?
There is a book that I consistently refer to for help and knowledge. It is simply called Silversmithing. I find that my work can be very intense requiring my complete attention. Listening to podcasts is not possible while working. Due to the need for concentration.

The internet has definitely opened up an immense amount of knowledge past and present. As well as allowing me to connect to others. Metals artists across the world.

Contact Info:

• Email: [email protected]
• Website: https://www.genevieveflynn.com
• Instagram: https://www.Instagram.com/jewelerinaflynn
• Facebook: https://www.Facebook.com/genevieveflynnstudio

Image Credits
Image Quest Photography and Terry Weckbaugh photographer