Today we’d like to introduce you to Katelin Reeser.
Hi Katelin, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I have many passions in life, one is photography the other is working with my hands- metalsmithing. Too much of one and I jump to the other. This allows me to find balance and give my all to each medium.
I got started with photography in my High School darkroom. My teacher was incredibly encouraging and I found a love of self-expression through capturing images on film. I went on to graduate college with a bachelor in Fine Art Photography. I disliked the superficial fine art world of showing in galleries, and I wanted to start working with my hands more. I got wild hair that I would learn how to make jewelry as an eventual source of income and started teaching myself different techniques. I assembled found vintage materials with natural crystals, hence the name Rock Salt Vintage.
I read books on jewelry making and experimented with different mediums. The craft quickly evolved to all handmade metalwork. I sold my work in craft shows, at art fairs, and online all while working as a freelance photo stylist.
I traveled all over for craft shows- Chicago, Seattle, San Francisco, Nashville, and more. During these trips I would add on time for vacation, exploring, and hiking in National and State Parks. I was so inspired by the landscapes and photographed all that I could.
At a craft show in San Francisco in 2014, I added on additional vacation time to visit Lake Tahoe. That was the first time I had seen mountains that grand. I saw a trail marker for the Pacific Crest Trail and I wanted to keep exploring, but it was only a day hike. I continued to document the amazing places I visited, but the PCT sign continued to stick in my mind. In 2021 I finally hiked the entire PCT in five consecutive months from Mexico to Canada along 2,650 miles. I documented the journey through photography and took a break from metalsmithing until I returned in the fall.
These days I continue to take off months at a time from metalsmithing to work on my photography and with outdoor companies. I love that I can create my own schedule and change what I’m working on based on my needs.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not, what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
I’ve always had multiple jobs to fund my artistic work. I don’t solely call myself a jewelry maker or metalsmith, but more so an artist. I’m always creating whether it be through photography, metalsmithing, photo styling, writing, painting, and more.
One struggle in working for yourself is the unknown. Will anyone support my work? You can work harder than you have at anything, but for it to be successful you have to do it because you love it. It is a benefit if people buy your work, but if you only do it for the money you might not get very far. Owning a business takes discipline and is much more work than a normal job. I work constantly- early in the morning, and late at night on weekends and holidays, but I also have the freedom to take days off if I want. Working for myself has taught me to cut down on expenses so I have more free time to do the things I want to do.
The struggle, if you can call it that, would be making sacrifices. I was a freelance photo stylist for almost 8 years while I was making jewelry. This allowed me to purchase expensive tools and invest in the future of my craft. While I spent time working in a less creative field, I was able to eventually go full-time into jewelry making and photography. In order to travel, I rent my house and live on the road for months at a time. These alternative ways of living get me closer to my goal of creating work with the intention and living a full life.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I create jewelry by hand using traditional metalsmithing and stone setting techniques. I’m also an outdoor/adventure photographer, documenting my favorite parts of being outside. My unique vision in imagery and design sets me apart from others.
Are there any important lessons you’ve learned that you can share with us?
The lesson is to be happy doing what you’re doing in life. Working hard will get only get you so far. I worked nonstop for years to get where I am, but I realized that time is precious. Work will always be there in some form or another and making little sacrifices can make a huge impact. You have one life, so spend it in a way that inspires you.
Contact Info:
- Website: Rocksaltvintage.com
- Instagram: Instagram.com/Katethewild
- Facebook: Instagram.com/rocksaltvintage
