Something extraordinary takes place in the Morgan Block Building each day as artists and artisans transform base materials into treasures. Metalsmith Marijo Martini transforms silver, copper, and brass into unique bracelets, rings and pendants in her Victorian Italianate studio that was once the home of a local newspaper, NW Passage.
“When I first moved into the Morgan Block Studios and Galleries, I wanted to find a way to honor the building and its history. My goal was to restore the room and use as many antiques and historical pieces that either date back to the early 1900s, or close to it, give or take a couple decades,” says Marijo.
Besides the antiques that surround Marijo as she practices an artistic alchemy, she honors the tradition of metalworking which hails back to ancient times. While we live in an age of quick fixes and take for granted goods made on assembly lines, Marijo handcrafts unique jewelry locally. She gladly shares this tradition with the public during art studio tours, the Fairhaven Solstice Art Walks, and through other venues.
And while her work fascinates observers of all ages, her craftsmanship grabs people’s attention.
“Their first reactions are typically, ‘Wow, your work is really different. Your jewelry is elegant and simple.’ Then I typically point to my logo so they can view my tagline which reads, ‘Simply Elegant,'” says Marijo about people’s responses to her jewelry.
Whether we label Marijo’s work as craft, fine art, or functional art, taking a short tour through her studio reveals the metalsmith’s love of craftsmanship. She enjoys walking us through her process which involves some sawing of raw materials, soldering, cleaning, polishing and assembling of the jewelry. When we think of metalworking, we often visualize bigger pieces however Marijo crafts delicate jewelry that shimmer under the studio lights. Marijo finds her work deeply therapeutic.
“I could spend hours (and I do) at my many work benches in my studio. I love getting in the zone and losing track of time working on different pieces. That’s my meditation. I love my space,” Marijo muses.
She also finds the Morgan Block Building community of artists therapeutic. ”We provide each other counsel. It’s not easy trying to make a living selling art. We need to build each other up and help each other succeed,” she says.
“Working around other artists is my source of inspiration. I love how everyone is different and doing such different things. I also love gleaning from other’s successes or mishaps. We can all learn so much just by watching and listening. Plus, artistic people are really fascinating people to hang around. Their approach to life typically doesn’t roll down the path most travelled. There’s a lot to be said about that,” she adds.
An observer finds Marijo fascinating. She became interested in her father’s tools as a child. And she says that her father inspired her with his enthusiasm for life.
“I can’t really pinpoint it to one person other than my dad who I thought was a really creative individual not only in the traditional sense, but with games and ideas. He was an elementary physical education teacher. He’d always come up with interesting games to play with his students. And I think that spirit helps me try to think outside of the box.”
Originally from Pennsylvania, Marijo moved to the Pacific Northwest in 1999. She found her inspiration in the scenery, as well as the local crafts communities. She not only feels passionate about jewelry-making, but also about delving into other crafts people in the community.
“I love watching and learning how people make stuff happen or how they make an impression on me or the people around them. It could be how they come up with their design concepts, how they run their business, how they live their lives, who they impact, etc. We’re all pretty fascinating,” Marijo enthuses.
As far as local jewelry-makers who inspire her, Marijo cites Anthony Angel of Seattle, Dana Cassara of Seattle, and Frank Goss, a goldsmith out of Bellingham. And as an inspiration to others, Marijo learned most of her craft from continuing education classes in Seattle and Bellingham.
“I’ve taken beginners and intermediate jewelry making classes at both Danaca Design Studio (Seattle) and North Seattle Community College, casting classes at Pouncing Rain Studios (Bellingham), and stone setting classes at Bellingham Metal Arts Guild and Danaca Design Studio. I try to take a class and practice the learned skill until I feel I’m ready to move onto another skill set,” says Marijo.
Behind every glint and glitter of Marijo’s pendants, bracelets and rings are what the Italians call “Che gioia vivere.” Marijo crafts with a playful spirit and inspires others with her joy.
