A Tale of Two Artists: Christi Friesen and Jill Mackay

In the final issue of Lapidary Journal Jewelry Artist, the Facets column presents industry news and product innovations, including highlights from recent episodes of the Jewelry Artist podcast. After the magazine went to press, we discovered that the accompanying photos of Christi Friesen’s work are mistakenly attributed to Jill Mackay. Thankfully, both artists accepted our apologies for the error and we’re taking the opportunity to feature their work – and their thoughts on mistakes – here.

ABOVE: Christi Friesen’s Ghoulies.

These Things Happen Sometimes

Christi found out about the error when her sister alerted her to the article and misattribution. Christi says, “We had a chuckle! Luckily the artist attributed was Jill Mackay who is a pal of mine, and our work is totally different, so it shouldn’t confuse too many folks. And the copy in the article leads you to the Interweave Jewelry Artists podcast, which included an interview and photo spread of me with all the correct info, so it’s all good!” Listen to Christi’s podcast episode in Christi Friesen Invites You to Play.

Small World

Christi and Jill have known each other for years and often find themselves in the same circle of creative instructors. They’ve both recorded videos for Interweave; appeared on Beads, Baubles and Jewels on PBS; and present online demonstrations in The Great Bead Extravaganza, a Facebook group for jewelry-making enthusiasts.

Learning From Mistakes

When asked what failure means to her, Jill says, “Failure to me is a learning opportunity, because if you learn from it then it isn’t a failure. I have lost some pretty big things that I worked hard and long for and failed to achieve. Then I have to delve deeply into my motivations, explore my part in it, and try to understand what happened. I have to take responsibility for any mistakes I may have made (what not to do again). I like to really look hard at my actions, because my motto is to only make new mistakes! Making the same mistake while expecting a different outcome is my definition of crazy.” Hear more of Jill’s thoughts on art and life in Creatively Generous Jill Mackay.

Subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or Wherever You Listen

Listen to Jewelry Artist podcast for inspiring conversations as they share their successes and offer lessons they’ve learned in their craft. Feel like a fly on the wall with Susan Lenart, Anie Piliguian, Kieu Pham Gray, Todd Reed, and other artists whose work you’ve seen in Lapidary Journal Jewelry Artist. Episodes explore tips, trends, advice on selling your jewelry, using tools, selecting jewelry making materials, and balancing art and life.

All the best,
Katie Hacker, Content Manager, Bead & Jewelry and Host of Jewelry Artist podcast

Images courtesy of the artists.