Today I’m introducing you to Kimberly Kostal, the jewelry artist known as Lazy K Beads & Stampede Jewelry and a credit pro in the fishing industry. Here’s a little trivia about her business name. She’s not lazy per say, it's actually her brand, as in cattle (leaning k). Plus, she and her family have a cabin in Stampede Pass. It’s a place she loves to create.
I first met Kimberly through the Northwest Creative Spirits PMC guild. I heard wonderful stories about her amazing creations and her personal adventures. I’ve been fortunate enough to observe that she approaches art with an open mind and a tenacity that you don’t often see. I recently taught our guild how to carve stamps and she went so far as to use the stamps she carved and even a few of the decorative table wear (napkins) to create a thank you card for me. It was very touching and said a lot about her devotion to art.
I asked her a few questions to help you learn more about her as an artist. One thing I really like about Kimberly is that she gets straight to the point. I often see this pondering look in her eyes when I’ve asked her questions in-person, but she doesn’t dilly dally. Rather, she’s thoughtful and purposeful. Having known and met so many who are glued to their smartphones and can’t break away to even converse with you, her moments to ponder your question are refreshing. Without further ado, here’s our email interview:
I first met Kimberly through the Northwest Creative Spirits PMC guild. I heard wonderful stories about her amazing creations and her personal adventures. I’ve been fortunate enough to observe that she approaches art with an open mind and a tenacity that you don’t often see. I recently taught our guild how to carve stamps and she went so far as to use the stamps she carved and even a few of the decorative table wear (napkins) to create a thank you card for me. It was very touching and said a lot about her devotion to art.
I asked her a few questions to help you learn more about her as an artist. One thing I really like about Kimberly is that she gets straight to the point. I often see this pondering look in her eyes when I’ve asked her questions in-person, but she doesn’t dilly dally. Rather, she’s thoughtful and purposeful. Having known and met so many who are glued to their smartphones and can’t break away to even converse with you, her moments to ponder your question are refreshing. Without further ado, here’s our email interview:
GG: Tell me a little about how you became an artist.
KK: I guess you can say I've been creating for a long time. I danced most of my youth with softballl & cheerleading. In college, I earned an AA in Fine Arts and taught dance through City Parks & Recreation and even danced at Bumbershoot a couple of times.
In my mid 30's I stopped dancing and looked for new medium to express myself with. Glass, wire, PMC and as many classes I could find fit the bill. I took a glass bead class at Pratt early 90's. I was very lucky to get in on the Fusion Beads store classes with now national glass bead teachers. I put together a small studio in one of our bedrooms and bought a kiln, then started making beads. I took wire jewelry classes then met the Queen of Possibilities [Peg Gyldenege] and my love of PMC was created. I’ve sold my jewelry at the Woodinville / Kirkland public markets, Burien Strawberry Festival, Mill Creek Festival & Northgate Festival.
GG: No two muses are the same. What inspires you to create?
KK: Life inspires me. Everyday we see, hear, smell & feel our way around. Don't use earbuds! Like my bracelet with the dog/cat charm. I started to make it a cat but that little Yorkie made her way into my inspiration.
GG: What kind of person do you see wearing your jewelry?
KK: I see my jewelry gal/guy wanting a one of a kind piece of jewelry. They're not afraid to pay for quality work/premium product.
GG: What is the meaning behind your jewelry? Or, what do each of the pieces represent to you?
KK: It represents to me that I can connect with my customer a same sense of whimsy or design.
GG: How would you define your style of jewelry?
KK: Mostly whimsical style has been mentioned by customers at the Public markets and festivals I've done.
Thanks for sharing with us today Kimberly! I wish you joy and prosperity on your artistic adventures. Keep on creating and bringing your “Lazy K” whimsy to the world.
Connect with Kimberly on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lazykbeads
If you’d like to be a featured artist on my blog, please contact me by email.
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