I'm having a major girl crush on our next Ambassador revealing up today. Seriously, this woman can rock the antiques + rock the jewels. Can I get an amen shout out after you check out her beyond incredible project below?! Get ready to catch your breath. GASP. Further, she is proof that being an artist is naturally deep within the blood as she is a self-taught artist.
I'm crazy happy today to share an interview with Kimberly Cochrane.
Kimberly is a self-taught artist and avid antique collector/dealer. She grew up in a small town in Eastern Oregon but now resides in Boise, Idaho. Kimberly lives with her fiance, Patrick, and their 'child', Sophie (a 3 year old Yorkie). Kimberly knew from a young age that she would be an artist. She had a very artistic upbringing as her mother, Gail Lackey, is a one-of-a-kind doll artist. Kimberly's mother has always been a huge inspiration and supporter of her art! Kimberly loved creating assemblages with discarded antique and vintage jewelry so much that in 2010 she opened her online shop, Madonna Enchanted. Although her main inspiration is jewelry, she also loves altering clothing, making unique religious inspired tassel bags, painting furniture, and creating collages and shrines. Kimberly believes that life is too short to waste it doing something if you are not passionate about it. She hopes that through her art she will inspire others to find their own creative passion.
What fills your time when you are not creating?
There really is not a time when I am not creating. If I can not physically create something, I am creating it in my head for later. For the time when I am not in my studio, I travel about an hour from where I live to help my brother and mother take care of my 91 year old grandfather.
What are you favorite materials to use when you create?
I LOVE anything that sparkles so I use lots of rhinestones!! Also, I love antique and vintage items. Anything that has a past and some character. Further, I will use antique fabrics, lace, metallic trim and velvet...LOVE me some antique velvet!
Where do you find inspiration for your art and how do you stay inspired?
I pretty much live in my studio so I surround myself with the things that inspire me. I create jewelry, so of course, I have lots of vintage and antique rhinestone necklaces, beads, pearls, old brooches, and cameos. My true love is antique religious items! I have a collection of old prints, paintings, religious medals, shrines, crosses, and statues that inspire me. Also, magazines and books are very inspirational. Where Women Create magazine is one of my favorites! When I need an inspirational boost, I go shopping LOL! I LOVE going to antique stores, flea markets, and thrift stores!
What is your signature style?
I have a very eclectic style, at least I think so, so I'm not sure what you would call it...I like a little bit of everything! When it comes to my jewelry that I create, I would lean more towards the French Victorian religious style.
What is something your friends probably do not know about you?
I would have to say they probably do not know that I love scary movies and Halloween is my favorite holiday!
If you could meet with anyone, living or deceased, who do you feel you could spend hours in a chat over a cup of tea/coffee?
I have not really thought about this one...but I would say that I would love to meet with the nuns from the late 1700s to early 1800s. The religious art that was created during that time like meerschaums and shrines were absolutely beautiful! I would love to find out about the creative process.
What is your favorite quote?
"Create what you love and is in your heart not what you think is going to sell." ~ Source Unknown
What is your best tip for those new to RELICS & ARTIFACTS® product?
Create away! There is no right or wrong way to use these FABULOUS pieces! The possibilities are absolutely endless!!
Ex Voto Sacred Heart Necklace Series | Created by Kimberly Cochrane
Check out more about Kimberly and see her current and past creations.