Featured Artist: wearableartbyjude

 

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Jude takes her gorgeous photos, shrinks them down and turns them into even more gorgeous earrings, pendants and more. Continue reading more about this artist here!

What you like to go by: My given name is Judith but I go by Jude.

Shop Name and when did you start your shop? I began my photography shop: JudeMcConkeyPhotos back in March of 2008 and started wearableartbyjude a little over two years ago in August of 2009.

Is this your only job? Yes, doing my photography and putting it into wearable/usable pieces is my only job. I quit my job as a newspaper photographer about a year ago to just work on this - which seems like more work than it was before :) Aside from Etsy, I sell in galleries, and do art/craft shows throughout the year.

When did you realize you had this talent? I only started photography about 8 years ago, but have been an

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artist of sorts since I was probably 3 or 4. I painted as an adult but it wasn't until my children were grown and out of the house til I picked up a camera and realized I had a talent for it. That was a strange discovery since my father was a photographer..

Where do you find your inspiration? I find inspiration all around me. I live in a fairly rural area and realized I couldn't really take street photography or other styles like that. So much of my work consists of landscapes, snow scenes, flowers,etc. but with a darker twist.

Who has been the most supportive of your work? My family and friends have been very supportive. I was glad that my father got to see my work before he passed away. He was very proud.

What is one thing you would like to accomplish that you haven't yet?  There are so many places and things I'd love to see to take photos of... I'd like to travel a lot more to find them.. There's always something to accomplish.

What are your words to live by or favorite quote? I tend to be someone who worries and spends a lot of time thinking about things that may never happen, but that MIGHT happen. I heard a quote once that said

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"Nobody on their deathbed ever bemoaned the fact that they never had a Coco Channel handbag - they were sad or sorry that they didn't spend more time with family or listen to them more, etc." and I keep that close to me now. It's the truth.. the little things don't matter.. what matters is love and family and giving.

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Excerpt from Profile: I create vintage-inspired jewelry using my original photographs in a variety of settings. The antique-influenced hardware combined with my soulful, sometimes haunting photographs make for one of a kind pieces that appeal to the unique woman - a woman who creates her own style to fit her moods

I'm always experimenting and enjoy
ing this new venture. I'll be adding pieces as the days go on. I believe they are great little gifts for the ones you love ... and for yourself ;)

My photography shop is judemcconkey.etsy.com