As we race towards the 3rd Annual Reno Mini Maker Faire (It’s this Saturday! SQUEEEEE!), we are meeting some of the amazing makers who will be sharing their craft and knowledge. In today’s installment of Meet the Maker, we’re going to hear from Llana at The Golden Gear in Fernley, NV.
The Basics:
Ilana Murray | The Golden Gear
Fernley, NV
Website: http://www.theGoldenGear.com
What does being a Maker mean to you?
Making tangible things is an extension of my artistic nature and gives me a great outlet to express myself and pay the bills.
What kind of making do you do?
I can’t really pick a genre so I just make things that I geek out on. Jewelry, parts, things for other makers, tools, curiosities, clothes, props. Really, whatever catches my fancy. Right now, I’m doing a lot of pewter work.
What is your favorite part of being a Maker? What is your least favorite part?
Meeting new tools and technologies and learning to make them sing for me is definitely my favorite part. It saddens me that people don’t find enough value in handmade things to choose them over mass produced items. Oh, and I hate cleaning up my bench after a big project.
Where do you find inspiration as a Maker?
Everywhere. Nature, other artists, machinery, the cycle of life.. really anywhere there is activity, there is inspiration if you just look for it.
What was the last thing you saw/read/learned about that made you say, “Wow!”
I’ve really been enjoying these wind sculptures lately. They’re just mesmerizing.http://twistedsifter.com/2013/
If you could give advice to an up-and-coming Maker, what would it be?
If you want to make it, find a way and don’t give up until you do.
Why did you decide to participate in the Reno Mini Maker Faire?
It’s a great chance to connect with other makers and encourage non-makers to try something new.
Where do you see the Reno Maker culture going in the near future?
I really hope it keeps growing like it is. There are a lot of unique artists here and I hope that more people get involved in both solo and group art activities.
Craftsmen
Apprentice
