Good Work
Enchanting Elegance By KIRK PRESCOTT,
BAR XP PHOTO
“Creating a custom jewelry piece is all about exploring the quiet corners of our imagination, together, to bring forth a truly bespoken creation, beyond imitation… My strength and uniqueness as a goldsmith lies in my ability to translate these subtleties into thoughtful symbolisms, within a timeless and quality art piece.” - Emily Sterling
B
orn and raised in North Vancouver, BC, Emily Sterling has a unique, creative soul, a passionate, natural talent and a captivating presence. Her charismatic jewelry has shone beneath the 18 WESTERN HORSE REVIEW JULY/AUGUST 2021
lavish lights of Los Angeles and graced the laid-back, western landscape of the prairies with zest. Sterling’s quest for self-expression and her family’s creative roots have innately fuelled her love of fine-art and jewelry. Her creative process seamlessly aligns her client’s
aspirations with her talent and her creative offerings tell a story of challenge, inspiration and unity. Looking back, Sterling credits her wonderfully creative home and summers spent on the road in her family’s camper van, for the introduction to her craft. Be it prospecting for stones on her grandparent’s farm in Savona, BC, or her formal education, Sterling’s journey to present-day is enchanting. With a grandfather who was a hobbyist stone-cutter, a grandmother who was a hobbyist silversmith, and a father who is a very talented, classical sign-painter – Sterling’s foundation is charged with talent and inspiration. “I was naturally encouraged to explore my creativity. When it came time for post-secondary education, it was never questioned when taking a nontraditional route as my career. I had always been creative but I didn’t find my own medium until 2009 when I decided to attend The Vancouver Metal Arts School for a two year program of Jewelry and Object Design,” relays Sterling. Sterling instantly fell in love with working in metal and notes that the rest came naturally. Following a highly credible internship in Germany, Sterling slowly planted the seeds of her business while simultaneously working in the industry, collecting hands-on experience. She remains grateful for the opportunity to work alongside several master goldsmiths in her hometown of Vancouver, BC, and in Kelowna, BC. The artist admires a deep connection with inspired-space and her breathtaking view of the Canadian Rocky Mountains as the perfect location to create intentional, handcrafted pieces that are one of a kind. What is the focus of your craft and what types of products are most commonly found in your collection/ portfolio? I aspire to tell a story with each adornment I create. As my work is always one of a kind, a lot of intention goes into the designing process. The majority of my
