Everyone has a story. For Cochrane silversmith Megan Mackenzie Jones, she wants to give people the chance to express theirs through her new jewelry collection, WILD.
She said the concept behind the collection is “to be able to connect with people so they could tell their own stories. So I wanted people to be able to build their own jewelry.”
WILD allows the wearer to design their own ‘talisman’ from a number of elements. Everything is interchangeable, with their wearer able to choose from 20 different ‘totem’ animals, the five regions of Canada, symbols such as the wild rose or maple leaf, and 12 spirit stones.
Mackenzie Jones recalled a customer who built her piece with her Alberta farming background in mind, while another from Scotland who designed an Alberta-themed work out of her appreciation for the province.
“It was cool because they were telling me their stories as they were creating their pieces. It created that dialogue with my customers.
“When I was in school we always talked about why we do what we do. The reason why I create art is to share stories – whether it’s my story or their story.”
During this Stampede, Mackenzie Jones took part in the inaugural Etsy (a virtual store that allows its members to sell handmade items and products) market at the BMO centre, an experience she said was marked by a strong sense of community among the artisans.
“We all supported each other. There was a really great synergy.”
Mackenzie Jones moved to Cochrane as a child, growing up by the Lions Rodeo Grounds. A member of 4-H, her childhood was filled with playing at the park as well as horseback riding.
She said the backdrop of the Rockies provided a source of inspiration.
“Living in the shadow of the mountains, they were always my favourite part of living in Cochrane. The collection is definitely about where I’m from and I’m very proud of that.”
But it wasn’t just Cochrane’s landscape that had an impact.
She cited her art teacher at Bow Valley High School, Marsha Williams-Day, as a major catalyst for her career.
While Mackenzie Jones admits the two weren’t the most fond of each other in the beginning, her teacher’s tough approach gave the budding artist the drive to excel.
“It set the stage for what was the rest of my career.”
That tough love sparked not only a friendship, but a passion that’s translated into her current job.
It was an Alberta College of Art and Design-inspired creative design class put on by Williams-Day that gave her the push she needed. “She laid the way for me. I really respect her for that.”
After she graduated high school, Mackenzie Jones was accepted into ACAD majoring in jewelry and metals. She graduated in 2010 with honours.
Art can be a tough market, especially for those starting off, Mackenzie Jones said. One lesson she learned from the beginning was that she’d have to blaze her own path.
“When I started there, I always knew that going into jewelry – especially in an art form – I was going to have to make my own way.”
Mackenzie Jones worked and saved for a year, and then invested in her studio. She branched out into wearable arts travelling to Toronto and Vancouver for fashion events.
While she worked at her jewelry, it wasn’t her main focus. But after two years, she made the decision to return to it.
“I needed to get my hands back on metal.”
Mackenzie Jones would work landscaping in the summers and then work on her pieces in the winter. But this year, however, she doubled down and is now working her craft full time.
“It was really a leap of faith, but I haven’t looked back.”
