My name is Tom Christen. I have always expressed myself through different forms of art. I have been pursuing a degree in Fine Arts and have spent periods of time drawing, painting, working with stained glass, and even dabbling in furniture design. I began making jewelry in 1995 with some tumbled stones and silver wire. While passable, my first attempts were not all that I hoped they would be.
When I met my wife, Stacey, and made a piece or two for her, she was very encouraging. She told me that if I was not satisfied with the quality of my work, I should seek out some basic instruction in the craft. So, I went on-line and found a large number of artist websites, and some that offered classes in wire-wrap jewelry. When I showed this to Stacey, she told me emphatically, "Do it!" Even though we were short on cash, we would find a way to pay for it.
After mastering the basics, I was hooked. I started my business, Firewolf Jewelry, in August 2002, and did my first show in October, at a small church. I made a little money, but only enough for some more supplies and the next show. I went on like this for a year or so, making a little more money with each show and beginning to stretch my creativity and develop some original designs. I decided to find bigger shows that were a better fit for my work.
Eventually, I learned about Best of Missouri Hands by talking with other artists, and joined the organization. I was admitted as a Juried member a few months later in 2004. Best of Missouri Hands is an excellent group of artists, not to mention wonderful people. They go above and beyond to welcome and help those with creative tendencies, encouraging them to keep reaching and striving to become whatever can be imagined. I would like to take this opportunity to thank them, and specifically Don Crozier and Mike Ochonicky for their advice and friendship.
Anyway, back to my story. I continue to look at my work with an eye toward honing my skills and trying new things. My focus has always been on choosing the most eye catching, unusual stones and how best to display their natural beauty and characteristics. In my opinion, precious metal wire should be used to accentuate each stone?s individuality like a frame or pedestal, and should never overpower the gem. It is this practice that has led me to adopt a basic philosophy. I try to enhance everything that my hand touches, if only in a small way.
