We are excited to have Joel from Drakenforge bringing amazing art and jewelry to Untamed. Today we would love to share more about this fantastic artist!
What attracted you to Untamed?
I received a flyer about Untamed via message on Etsy from a very helpful person in Denver whom I have never met before. It was an unusual and helpful hint. I was thinking about attending some pagan gatherings this year as a vendor and Untamed seemed like the perfect venue.
We are glad that you saw the flyer!
Tell us a little about your story?
My interest in metal working and jewelry design started in childhood. I was fascinated with the various characteristics of different metals and how they interact. I also loved design. After a long period as an auto mechanic I decided to revisit my passion for metal working as a hobby. It was a relief to finally have a real artistic outlet which I enjoyed so I decided to go with it full time.
If you could have any superpower what would it be and what would you do with it?
It would be nice to have as much time as I want to spend on any given project without interruption or break in the action so I think I would like to be able to pause time like Charles Xavier.
Oh that is a great superpower! We know a few people who could use that 🙂
What inspires you to work in this industry?
Several years ago my wife expressed an interest in jewelry making and I decided to purchase a 10 week course for the two of us at a jewelry design and fabrication school in Washington, DC. Soon into the class, my wife and I realized that I was enjoying the classes much more than she was. Quickly following that beginning class, I began taking private lessons to stretch my skills and hone the knowledge necessary to begin a career in this field.
What are you most excited about for this festival?
I used to attend The Gathering of the Tribes in Virginia years ago and have not visited a Pagan retreat since I moved to Colorado in 2015. I am excited to meet people in the front range area who are of an alternative mindset.
Is there anything else you would like to share?
I do not adhere to one tradition, I tend to be eclectic and like to take into account everyone’s viewpoint when it comes to spiritual practice. I base most of my jewelry designs on basic Wiccan and Celtic themes because it is what I am most familiar with. In my work, I produce a wide range of custom pieces and always welcome new ideas and requests which may not seem to correspond with the work I sell in general.
What is one magickal item you are bringing to the festival for yourself?
Another of my favorite hobbies/crafting activities is wood carving. I was pretty obsessed with carving staffs when I was younger and have made several. One in particular I spent a lot of time on not only carving but embellishing with metal work, it may be a little too overdecorated to served as a walking staff anymore but it makes a nice ornament, perhaps a good luck charm.
What is your favorite thing you offer?
I spent a lot of time getting my first pentacle design just right, I guess I am partial to that one. I am also really excited to show off my Moon Goddess pendants I just finished prototyping this January, I think people will really like them.
If you were a tree, what kind of tree would you be and why?
I have a special affinity for Oak trees. I grew up in an area densely forested with Oak trees and whenever I am around them it just feels like I am seeing an old friend.
If you could throw a parade, what type of parade would it be?
Does drumming and dancing around a fire count as a parade?
~Yes…and that is one you can have at Untamed!
What will people find in your booth at Untamed?
I sell an assortment of nature/pagan themed jewelry including Rings, Pendants, Necklaces, Earrings and Bracelets. Mostly I work in Sterling Silver but I also love to incorporate Brass Bronze Copper and Gold into some designs for color contrast.
