As you’ve probably heard The Village of West Greenville is a developing and happening part right outside of Downtown Greenville. From the art galleries to The Village Grind to The Anchorage to many more new faces on the horizon. One of the most recent faces is from local artist Kate Furman, who recently opened the doors to her very own studio. Of course, with this exciting news we took this chance to chat with Kate on how she got into art, what she loves to create the most and more. So let’s go ahead and meet Kate.
360: How did you get into art & making jewelry?
360: How did you get into art & making jewelry?
Kate: Like most of us my parents have shaped who I am. My mom Linda Furman is a painter and my dad Earle Furman sells commercial real estate. My mom knows art and my dad knows business. I, therefore have always has an artistic and a business mind. As a high school student at the Fine Arts Center here in Greenville, I found “Jewelry and Metalsmithing.” I immediately saw a career where I could mix art and business and that has not changed my mind since.
Getting into art & jewelry continued…
Kate: I went to receive my BFA from the University of Georgia and my MFA from Rhode Island School of Design, both concentrating in “Jewelry and Metalsmithing.” I then continued my education through programs at Alchimia Contemporary School for Jewelers in Italy, the Fashion Institute of Technology NYC and New Approach School for Jewelers in Tennessee. In my field, there’s always more to learn and another fun tool to purchase. No day is the same and I thrive on constantly learning and thinking through my craft.
360: Tell us about the transition from working in a shared space to your own studio.
Kate: I prefer working alone. It takes a lot of concentration to set a stone, solder a joint and technically think through the process. Having a calm space to work in is magical for me! I can spread out, have multiple projects going at the same time, sing to my dogs (without offending anyone) and just think. That being said, I always welcome my guests and shoppers! I’m a very social person, so the moments of interaction I get with studio visitors gives me the breaks I need to be creative. It also allows me to continue having fun with what I do. It’s important to me for customers to be able to see how and where I make, so I encourage everyone to check out the “making” side of my space and not just the “selling” side. I absolutely love my studio and store. It’s a longtime dream come true, so please come visit me!
Getting into art & jewelry continued…
Kate: I went to receive my BFA from the University of Georgia and my MFA from Rhode Island School of Design, both concentrating in “Jewelry and Metalsmithing.” I then continued my education through programs at Alchimia Contemporary School for Jewelers in Italy, the Fashion Institute of Technology NYC and New Approach School for Jewelers in Tennessee. In my field, there’s always more to learn and another fun tool to purchase. No day is the same and I thrive on constantly learning and thinking through my craft.
360: Tell us about the transition from working in a shared space to your own studio.
Kate: I prefer working alone. It takes a lot of concentration to set a stone, solder a joint and technically think through the process. Having a calm space to work in is magical for me! I can spread out, have multiple projects going at the same time, sing to my dogs (without offending anyone) and just think. That being said, I always welcome my guests and shoppers! I’m a very social person, so the moments of interaction I get with studio visitors gives me the breaks I need to be creative. It also allows me to continue having fun with what I do. It’s important to me for customers to be able to see how and where I make, so I encourage everyone to check out the “making” side of my space and not just the “selling” side. I absolutely love my studio and store. It’s a longtime dream come true, so please come visit me!
360: What’s your favorite part of your job? Or to create.
Kate: I love that every day is different. I draw, carve wax, cast molten silver, set stones, fabricate with metal, play with fire, sew wood and so much more. I’m inspired by nature and am grateful that I can make things that highlight its beauty. Creating something that someone actually wants to wear is also an amazing feeling. That person trusts my vision enough to let it define their style. It’s really cool to be a part of that.
360: What’s so exciting about The Village of West Greenville?
Kate: The artists are what’s exciting about the Village. It is a community of talented and brave people trying to make a living doing what they love in a very hard career path. The new restaurants popping up are also exciting, but being a part of the artist community is what means the most to me.
360: The new studio is BIG, but what’s next for the Kate Furman Studio?
360: What’s so exciting about The Village of West Greenville?
Kate: The artists are what’s exciting about the Village. It is a community of talented and brave people trying to make a living doing what they love in a very hard career path. The new restaurants popping up are also exciting, but being a part of the artist community is what means the most to me.
360: The new studio is BIG, but what’s next for the Kate Furman Studio?
Kate: I want Greenville to continue getting to know both my studio and me. I’m here for the long haul! However after my studio opening and Artisphere… I am EXHAUSTED. So, I’m taking time to get settled in, update my website and just make. I also teach jewelry classes at Greenville Center for Creative Arts, so that keeps me busy at least one evening a week.
What’s next continued…
Kate: I have an article coming out in the next issue of “Metalsmith” magazine, which is another longtime goal coming true. YAY!!! And late this summer I have a show at Francis Marion University. You can always count on me to be thinking ahead and I have plenty more to come. So please, stay tuned!
What’s next continued…
Kate: I have an article coming out in the next issue of “Metalsmith” magazine, which is another longtime goal coming true. YAY!!! And late this summer I have a show at Francis Marion University. You can always count on me to be thinking ahead and I have plenty more to come. So please, stay tuned!
360: Thanks, Kate! Really appreciate your time. Look forward to seeing your new creations at the studio soon.
You can visit Kate Furman Studio located at 547 Perry Avenue in the Village of West Greenville and the studio hours are Tuesday-Friday 11am-5pm and Saturday 11am-3pm. Kate is also always happy to meet you outside of those hours. For more info head to www.katefurman.com and you can of course follow along via her on Instagram and Facebook.
You can visit Kate Furman Studio located at 547 Perry Avenue in the Village of West Greenville and the studio hours are Tuesday-Friday 11am-5pm and Saturday 11am-3pm. Kate is also always happy to meet you outside of those hours. For more info head to www.katefurman.com and you can of course follow along via her on Instagram and Facebook.
Next up you can catch Kate at First Fridays in the Village of West Greenville, which is tomorrow June 2nd from 6-9pm!
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