Conversations with Jessica Pentecost

Today we’d like to introduce you to Jessica Pentecost.

Hi Jessica, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
I have always been creative and had a love of science and nature, and been drawn to those things. I began electroforming in 2018 after seeing work from another artist who had given eternal life to a piece using dead bees. I was beyond smitten. I studied the process for over a year before diving in head first. I used information found online and various books to teach myself the skills needed to perfect my craft. Unexpectedly, it quickly turned into my creative passion, and I worked diligently for two years creating before putting my work out there for the world to see. Five years later, I have turned my creative hobby into a business. And I am so excited to see what the future has in store!

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It has not always been an easy ride, but nothing worth having comes easily, right? Independently learning my craft and turning my art into a business while juggling my role as a mother to five children has taken a lot of time and determination. In the beginning, I struggled with the confidence to put my work and myself out there. These days, I find consistent and trending social media content and time management to be my biggest challenges. I now have many hats, and at times, it is exhausting.

In the process though, I have discovered tenacity, grit, and fortitude previously unimagined while setting an example for my children to follow their dreams and believe in themselves and their abilities. I’m certain there will be more bumps along the way, but I am more than down for the ride.

Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I am a metal artist. I specialize in copper electroformed jewelry and accessories. Electroforming is an intricate process where I fuse, or “form”, multiple layers of copper onto another medium. I use various mediums but specialize in organics-insects, plant matter, shells, memorial pieces, etc. I love being able to use recycled and ethically sourced materials to give them a beautiful eternal life.

I am known for offering my customers unique, quality, handcrafted pieces that are one of a kind, sculptural, and wearable that help them stand out from the crowd.

What sets me apart from others is my ability to create pieces for my customers that allow them the ability to express their own unique individuality and be seen! Electroforming is a fairly niche market overall, so it’s rare to run across another artist when at markets or art fairs. That helps add to the wow factor that my art provides its wearer. I bring my own style and flair to each piece while keeping the ultimate owner in mind.

Watching my work travel the US, and ultimately the world, seeing the way it captivates my customers and their support for my journey is definitely what has made me the most proud on my journey.

We all have a different way of looking at and defining success. How do you define success?
I would define success as the ability to step into others’ lives with my work to help them express their uniqueness and beauty. That makes me feel fulfilled, whole, happy and loved.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.irisandgem.com
• Instagram: Irisandgem
• Facebook: Irisandgem
• Other: TikTok- irisandgem