Marty Bosy Newlon Interview – Historic Kenwood Artist Enclave

Marty Bosy Newlon Interview – Historic Kenwood Artist Enclave
By Brian Lynch
This is another in a series of interviews with Historic Kenwood artists as part of highlighting our
“Neighborhood of the Arts” and our soon to be Artist Enclave.
How did you get started in your craft?
I have always been creative and have played with different outlets –sewing, needlework, decorating,
etc. About five years ago, I started making jewelry – mainly for myself and my family. It was definitely
more of a hobby and a way to satisfy my need to have different pieces to wear!
What is your “method”?
I don’t have one particular method – yet! I probably never will have just one method as I am constantly
trying new things. For the past three years or so, I have been working strictly with copper. I love the
different textures, colors, and organic look of copper.
How has your work developed through the years?
When I first started designing jewelry pieces, I worked with silver colored wire and metals, and lots of
beads or stones. As I started taking more classes and experimenting on my own, I found myself
gravitating towards more solid metal/copper pieces and accenting them with silver and certain stones –
such as turquoise, coral, or freshwater pearls. Playing with the copper metal – watching it melt into
organic shapes, or colored by a hot flame, changing the color with a patina to beautiful blues, greens,
oranges, and purples has also played a part on how my pieces look today.
What would you call your style?
I try to be true to myself – which means creating pieces that are my taste and style. This is tricky – as my
daughter (who has totally different taste) will say to me: “Mom, is this for you or for someone else?” My
answer is “No, it’s not for me, but it’s what I like and hopefully someone else will like it too! Why would I
make something that I don’t like?” But there is a fine line between being completely true to yourself and
selling what you create. While I try not to conform, I do try to stay on top of what does sell and create
more of those pieces as well. My taste runs toward bigger or chunkier bracelets, cuffs, earrings, or
pendants. I love the organic look of the copper and leather straps or cords. Since loud colors also play a
big part of my life, I try to add colorful gems or stones to some of the pieces.
What are the best and worst things about being an artist?
The best thing about being an artist is that it sooooooooo relieves stress! I have an outlet for my
creative side. I work full time as an administrative assistant for a financial planner and tax preparer,
which satisfies the other half of my brain. I love coming home and sitting down in my little studio, and
playing and designing different pieces.
The worst thing about being an artist – for me – is the inability to devote more time to my craft as I do
have to have a full-time job to pay bills! The business side of this craft is also very time consuming –
keeping track of inventory, sales tax, making sure my website is updated, getting orders out on time. It’s
not fun, but very necessary. Setting up booths and standing for eight hours a day at art shows is also not
my favorite thing, but I thoroughly enjoy interacting with people and really listening to their reactions to
my jewelry.
What has been inspiring/influencing your work lately?
Lately I’ve been creating pendants and earrings that incorporate etching the copper, brass, or German
silver with different designs, coming up with creative ways to had the pendants using colorful ribbons
and leather.
Who are your favorite artists in your field?
There are several local artists whose work I admire – one is Barbara Lewis (Painting With Fire Studio)
and another is Stacy Perry with Hodgepodgerie. I have taken classes with both of them and greatly
admire their work.
What is your favorite customer quote or story?
I don’t know that I have a favorite customer quote or story. I really appreciate all the comments
regarding my jewelry. When I wear a piece and somebody stops me to ask about it, that is such a
compliment! Or when somebody orders something from me, I am so flattered! And, I do listen to all of it
– good or bad – as obviously word of mouth is the best form of advertising and the comments help me
change or tweak how I may do things.
What is your favorite piece of art or fine craft that you own?
I actually share one of my favorite pieces of art with one of my sisters, who also loves it. It’s a solid
hardwood statue about 18” tall of a mother and daughter. It’s dark stained and not very refined, but
beautiful. My parents bought it either in Panama or Columbia, and it was in our home during our
childhood. When my Mom downsized, I asked if I could have it. She was so surprised that I had even
noticed it and even more so when my sister wanted it too! We grew up overseas and have some
different, beautiful pieces from several countries that my parents accumulated over the years.
What advice do you have for aspiring artists?
Advice?? Ughh!! I’m not big on advice when I feel that I am still seeking it myself! Probably the best
advice would be not to give up. It’s that simple. You will get frustrated, you will hit moments when you
are just stumped and cannot come up with a single creative idea AND you will look at your expenses
versus your profit and wonder if you are totally insane to keep doing this, but if you love it, if it keeps
you sane, if you find that you cannot tear yourself away from your torches, saws, hammers, stones – just
keep plugging away. And when you finally finished and took forever and somebody looks over your
shoulder and just loves it, it’s all worth it!!