The Journey Beyond the Grant

Images from Michelle's award-winning 2022 application

Insights from Michelle Lierre’s Experience as Our 2022 Emerging Artist Grant Recipient

Navigating the path of an emerging artist can be both thrilling and challenging. For those applying for the Seattle Metals Guild Emerging Artist Grant this year, gaining insights from past recipients can provide invaluable guidance. We had the pleasure of discussing this with Michelle Lierre, our 2022 grant recipient, who has since made significant strides in her career. Michelle's journey is a testament to the transformative power of the grant and offers practical advice for this year’s applicants.

How the Grant Made a Difference

For Michelle, the 2022 Emerging Artist Grant was a game-changer. "The grant provided crucial support that allowed me to build a sustainable business plan," she reflects. Initially, Michelle was uncertain about her qualifications, given her early career achievements and online visibility. However, the grant facilitated a pivotal shift in her career trajectory.

With the financial support, Michelle was able to pursue specialized education in fine jewelry making. She used the funds to train with Emily Marquis in Connecticut, where she honed her skills in designing and fabricating complicated ring settings. Michelle defined her goals for the week’s lessons and Emily provided the custom framework and hands-on education. "The in-person training was invaluable," Michelle says. "It deepened my understanding of complex techniques in ring design, soldering, and stone setting, which are essential for creating high-quality jewelry."

Evolving Artistic Practice and Recent Accomplishments

Since receiving the grant, Michelle’s practice has evolved considerably. Her success with gold engagement and wedding rings has paved the way for further growth. "I’ve continued to build on the skills and knowledge gained from the grant. My business now generates the capital enabling me to start working in gold," she notes.

Among her achievements is also being awarded the Jewel Fund from the Jewellers Academy, with whom she has also recorded two online filigree courses in London, expanding her educational contributions to the field. The beginning filigree class is available as a stand-alone course and the other on making filigree in gold is available as part of the third year curriculum in the Advanced Jewellery Diploma where Michelle continues to help mentor students in the yearly program.

Some of Michelle’s success can also be attributed to her prior and ongoing innovative contributions to the field. In collaboration with Lion Punch Forge, she has created filigree tools - first for her own testing and use - and then for other jewelers. Their titanium soldering stencils facilitate the repeat construction of delicate filigree work with a solid frame that doesn’t sink heat away from the work. 

Michelle continues to design and create stencil sets, each one taking at least six months to prototype and refine before their release. An article entitled “A Filigree Revolution” by Melissa Muir features Michelle’s work in this area and is slated for release in this month’s issue of MJSA Journal.

Pursuing Opportunities and Overcoming Challenges

Michelle's journey reflects a blend of perseverance and adaptability. Despite the challenges, she has embraced numerous opportunities. She is currently working on a "Dissent Collar" for the MJSA design challenge, inspired by Ruth Bader Ginsburg. Her ambition extends to creating innovative filigree pieces in gold, such as a mechanically functional window locket, or a tiny spiral staircase.

Her advice to emerging artists is to embrace the application process for grants and other opportunities, even if the outcome isn’t immediate success. "The process itself is a valuable learning experience," Michelle asserts. "It teaches you to present yourself and your work effectively. Additionally, you can repurpose parts of your application for other opportunities."

Looking Forward: Future Goals and Aspirations

Michelle’s aspirations are diverse and ambitious. She is designing a system of efficiency that will allow her to offer a wholesale line consisting of one-of-a-kind filigree pieces. Eventually, she hopes to take part in the Melee wholesale trade show in Tucson, where fine jewelry is offered to wholesalers. 

Michelle also hopes to expand her educational offerings. "In the future I would love to build on the foundation of the filigree courses I filmed with Jewellers Academy and teach more advanced classes on fabricating three dimensional filigree." she shares. She also aims to apply for the Center for Cultural Innovation’s Investing in Artists: Tools & Equipment Fund to perhaps acquire a microscope and GRS Benchmate work holder, crucial for her ergonomic needs and long-term sustainability in the field.

Final Thoughts for Aspiring Applicants

Michelle's journey highlights the importance of leveraging opportunities and continuously evolving as an artist. For this year’s applicants, she offers these final words of encouragement: "Stay true to your vision and be open to learning and adapting. The grant can provide a significant boost, but it’s your dedication and passion that will drive your success."

In summary, Michelle’s experience underscores the impact of the Emerging Artist Grant on both professional development and personal growth. By understanding her journey and applying her insights, this year's applicants can better navigate their own paths to success, turning challenges into opportunities and passion into achievement.

Thanks to Michelle Lierre of Lierre Filigree (@lierreworks) for sharing images from her 2022 grant application and her story with us. You can apply for our 2024 Emerging Artist Grant today, due August 31st 2024.