Horse Artist Interview – Tara Cornelius

Name
Tara Cornelius

Website & places you can find my work online
Website: www.fiveoclocksomewhere.us
Blog: fiveoclocksomewherejewelry.blogspot.com
Etsy: Five O’Clock Somewhere
Artfire: Five O’Clock Somewhere
Follow Tara on twitter: @FiveOclockSW

Where I am
I live in Pasadena, CA with my husband, two dogs and new kitten.

Tell us a little about you, what is your background & where do you come from?
I was born and raised on the east coast, New Jersey and Rhode Island. I started taking riding lessons when I was about 6, and since then I have never been without horses in my life. I moved out to California about 13 years ago soon after college.

I am a financial consultant by day, and a jewelry designer by night, and somewhere in between I find time to ride my horse. I need the creative outlet of jewelry making after crunching numbers all day!

When did you first start making jewelry?
A good friend of mine peaked my interest about 10 years ago. She is a jeweler that specializes in wire work and she’s fantastic teacher. She inspired me and once I got the bug, I ran with it.

How did you learn the techniques you use?
I have taken a few classes, read lots of books, and have a good friend who teaches jewelry making, but mainly I am self taught with lots of trial and error.

Did your love of jewelry or horses come first?
Horses, I have loved horses as long as I can remember.

What is your favorite breed?
Warmbloods. I love their temperament and trainability, and their muscular athletic build.

Who are your main artistic influences?
I attribute my creative passion to my mom. I grew up with a mom that was extremely crafty and creative, she made everything, she was a fantastic gardener and decorator, she made all my clothes as a child, and she never left the house without jewelry on.

Do you (or did you) have an animal that is the muse behind your work?
I have two horses that are the inspiration behind my equestrian line of jewelry. My designs are also inspired by my travels, watching the sunset over the horse pasture, and enjoying the simple beauty of nature that surrounds us.

My goal is to make timeless, everyday pieces that will be treasured for years.

Do you have any secret rituals you do to help you get in the zone for your work?
The creative juices are either flowing or they are not. Sometimes I sit in front of a tray of beads and gems and hope they speak to me…but sometime I hear nothing. A creative slump is always cured with new materials. After selecting just the right beads for my next design from a shopping adventure to a jewelry trade show, I cannot get home fast enough to start creating with my new treasures.

What effect do you think the Internet will have on handmade jewelry?
The internet makes finding and buying handmade jewelry very easy. I did not make or sell jewelry prior to the internet, but I would imagine I would have had to spend alot more time selling in person.

Has it had an effect on yours?
Many of my customers find me through the internet, and customers that are already familiar with my work can easily go online and place an order. It makes shopping so easy!

My website provides detailed description of each piece and the materials I used to make them. I’m still trying to hone my photography skills. Almost everyone who orders one of my pieces comments on how much more beautiful it is in person.

Which one is your personal favorite piece?
Probably the Triple Bar Bracelet. I wear alot of black, and I love the vintage horse head box style clasp set in sterling.

Would you ever sell it?
Of course, all my pieces are for sale. I love when someone can get enjoyment out of something I created.

What else are you passionate about?
Horses are at the top of that list. I also love traveling, experiencing new things, and making the most out of life.

I am not a creature of habit, every day is a new and different day. “Live with intention. Walk to the edge. Listen hard. Practice wellness. Play with abandon. Laugh. Choose with no regret. Appreciate your friends. Continue to learn. Do what you love. Live as if this is all there is.” – Mary Ann Radmacher

Working on anything new?
Almost everything I work on is a new design. I specialize in one-of-a-kind pieces. I am going to Italy next week, so I am sure I will have some great ideas after visiting the couture mecca when I come home. Expect to see alot of new designs coming out soon!

More to Come

Thanks to Tara for answering the interview and sharing her art. Be sure to subscribe to her jewelry blog for updates about her latest works.

Also stay tuned for more interviews with horse artists and photographers.
Are you a horse artist or do you know an equine artist you’d like to see featured? Add your name and website in the comments below or drop me a note to get involved.