I started metalsmithing as a hobby over 20 years ago. In the mid-90’s, I left a full time position as an instructor in the Paramedic Program at the Northern Alberta Institute of Technology in Edmonton, Alberta to pursue metalsmithing full time and have since developed my hobby into a successful small business. I relocated from Edmonton to Gabriola Island, BC in 1998 where I produced and sold my jewelry from my home-based studio/gallery and became an active member of the community Arts Council. In 2006, I relocated to Chemainus on Vancouver Island, BC and continue to produce my jewelry to date from my home-based studio/workshop as well as participate in local artist events.

After taking a couple of start-up classes at the Edmonton Cultural Centre, I continued to learn and refine my craft over the years by reading how-to books and articles and watching how-to videos, but mostly learning by trial and error so I consider myself to be self taught. I work with various metals but primarily focus on creating copper jewelry. I used to work primarily in sterling silver, but it simply got too expensive. I will still make a piece in silver if specifically requested; however, working in copper allows me to keep my work priced affordably for my customers. Many of my handcrafted jewelry designs are inspired by the nature of West Coast living as showcased in my heron and crow pieces of which I am most proud.

I am constantly aspiring to learn new methods and techniques including my most recent venture of flame painting on copper. Painting with a torch is challenging, exciting, and fun, as I never know what colours I will produce on any given day, with colours being influenced by the composition of the air, number and length of times that heat is applied to the copper, and varying properties of the flame. What I like most about this art form is that each piece I create is unique, no two identical. It makes me happy to offer my customers something that is truly one of a kind and I hope it makes them feel they are purchasing something really special.

The tools of my trade consist of a variety of jewelry-making supplies, findings, hammers, saw blades and so forth as well as a propane oxygen torch.

Past Honors and Awards: Recipient of Innovative Gallery Product Award at the 1995 Uniquely Alberta Creative Arts Show. Alberta Government - Commissioned brooch given to Canadian Premiers’ wives at the 17th Premier's Conference - Jasper Alberta, 1996. World Figure Skating Championship, 1996 - Commissioned limited edition brooch. The National Gallery of Canada Gift Shop - Commissioned brooch "Stormy Weather" from Group of Seven painter F.A. Varley, for "Canadian Museums Selections" catalogue, 1997. Designed and produced lapel pin for Nanaimo, BC Chamber of Commerce annual Business awards 2000-2005. Designed and produced "Year of Service Award Pins" for Coastal Community Credit Union 2001-2006.

In July 2013, I joined Etsy.com and set up an on-line shop called Images By Kent Olinger. Being a seller on Etsy has offered me the opportunity to showcase my work on the World Wide Web and has helped me overcome my biggest challenge as an artist which was simply getting my work out there. Etsy has offered me the perfect platform to do so.

My exposure on Etsy has also led to an opportunity to display and promote my work through various Canadian and US retail shops as well as a feature story in the now published 2016 edition of Amazing Canadian Fashion Magazine. It is also my great honor to have been selected to feature my work in the Global Gallery aboard the launching of Lindblad Expeditions new ship in 2017, the National Geographic Quest.

Throughout my life I have always had one hobby or another, and while metalsmithing started out as just another hobby, it became a successful small business that over the years has allowed me to earn a living doing what I love. I continue to be passionate about it not only because it allows me to express my creative side but it also keeps me active, still going strong at age 83 and hoping for many more creative years ahead!

You can find me on-line at:

https://imagesbykentolinger.etsy.com

#imagesbykentolinger

Thank you for visiting and please "favorite" my shop so you can easily find me again.

Cheers,
Kent