Artist Series 01/12

Jill Melyssa, Metalsmith & Sculptural Jewelry Artist

From Metal to Something Meaningful

The Material

Before the jewelry, there is the planning, the material, the why, and the tools.

Black and white photo of a tilted notebook page with handwritten notes on a dark background

Hand using a watch to measure a metal object on a workbench under warm light

Pegboard with hanging tools, red-handled scissors, and assorted workshop supplies on a cluttered workbench

Black and white image of a person standing beside a counter with trays of food items.

The Hands

Made with intention.

The Transformation

In Her Words

“I’m drawn to things that have a history—whether they are rare, overlooked, or simply seen in a way people haven’t considered before.”

close up of tools for metalsmith on a table

female metalsmith wearing googles in moody workspace measuring metal with ruler

“Nearly every piece I create has a story, whether inspired by an object, experience, idea, or feeling.”

The Detail

"Each piece feels unique and unexpected."

female metalsmith wearing googles looking at a silver ring through a magnifier

overhead closeup of hands working with metal and stone manipulated by pliers

The Reveal

The finished piece.

The Artist

tag card saying JILL MELYSSA sculptural jewelry

portrait of a female metalsmith wearing googles tan apron in a moody workspace looking calm at camera

JILL MELYSSA
Metalsmith + Sculptural Jewelry Artist

INSPIRED BY: Architecture, industrial forms, haute couture, and human emotion
CREATES: Bold, sculptural, original, metal art
BASED IN: Charlotte, NC

Jill Melyssa website

Jill Melyssa Instagram

The Takeaway

Jill was excited to share her process, and I was deeply moved by the artistry and intentionality behind her work.

She is an artist, scientist, engineer, entrepreneur—and an inspiration. Her approach to creating is what sparked the idea for the Artist Series: to slow down, look closer, and see how each piece comes to life.

I DON'T PHOTOGRAPH ARTISTS STANDING BESIDE THEIR WORK.

I PHOTOGRAPH THEM MAKING IT.

12 artists. 12 creative processes. Told Through My Lens.

PHOTOGRAPHIC NOTES
Nikon Z8 · Natural + ambient light · Handheld · Nikkor 28 - 75mm/F2.8 · Focused on details, hands manipulating metal, keeping the lighting the way the artist's work environment

PHOTOGRAPHER
Jo Hayes Images

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