Jandi Burkett Metalsmith
Jandi Burkett designs and creates artisan jewelry. She describes her craft as a sort of alchemy, using primitive tools to transform basic materials through her creativity, resulting in unique works of wearable art. She rarely sketches pieces before she starts, preferring to let the piece happen as she works.
“I find comfort in my creative process, from ideas that take flight in my mind to completion of a piece, the act of figuring it all out is meditative. Exploring the variety of techniques and methods of creating with silver is compelling and drives me to keep exploring my craft.”
Art was a family activity for Burkett growing up. In the early 90s, the family worked together to make hand-painted wooden jewelry to sell at art shows in Kansas. Her father cut the wood, the kids did the prep and base coat painting, and her mom added the detail work.
Burkett was drawn to three- dimensional arts from a young age and took as many ceramics and metal classes as she could while in high school at Shawnee Heights.
After high school she attended art school for two years, but metalsmithing is a craft — skilled work that requires hands- on training and experience. Burkett built the skills that she needed through years of production work for Golden Bear jewelry in Colorado.
“I saw a help-wanted ad and responded,” she said, “and it turned out to be exactly what I needed. I learned under an experienced craftsman and had the opportunity to work with a diverse staff and learn a range of techniques and approaches.”
“Working in my studio, designing and making jewelry,
is my happy place.”
Despite the joyful process and the stunning, elegant results, Burkett points out that her metalcraft requires protective gear, chemicals and heat. Imagine a petite, pretty artist with a face shield, gloves and ear plugs, working to the sounds of metal on metal as she saws, files and hammers. She works with care as she applies acids for etching, uses torches for forging, and assembles pieces with rivet- soldering. It’s hot, dirty work.
And of course, the artistic process is only one piece of running a business. Burkett estimates that about 75 percent of her work time is spent on the business side, including keeping her website up-to-date, booking shows and managing social media. She joined a professional group that provides coaching to help her find her voice and reach new clients.
Above all, Burkett is committed to creating beautiful art that will also be her clients’ go-to pieces.
“I hear from my clients that they wear my pieces all of the time,” Burkett said. “The jewelry is comfortable, it goes with everything, and the quality pieces stand up to a lot of wear. That’s exactly what I strive for with my work.”
