In this month's spotlight of Black, Indigenous & People of Color (BIPOC)-owned jewelry businesses I am happy to spread the word about the amazing and multi-faceted work of Kendria Thompson, owner of Solid Treasures, Solid Cabs, and founder of Metalsmiths for Change.
.
.
Let's begin with Kendria's jewelry business, Solid Treasures. Kendria is a self-taught metalsmith and her work is impeccable. She uses an array of stones, from faceted gems to smooth cuts of turquoise. Her work showcases a vast breadth of skill in different types of stone setting, fabrication and texturing. Below is a gorgeous pair of hoop earrings with sparkling garnets that spin! Visit her website to see what other earrings she makes!
.
.
In light of this Spring's amplified Black Lives Matter movements, Kendria began creating power fist pins and necklaces- initially cut entirely by hand (time consuming!) She now offers these pins in three styles seen below and available here.
.
.
Something I really want to highlight is Kendria's community-mindedness when it comes to using her craft to make a difference. Not only is she generous with her knowledge, often posting behind the scenes tips on metalsmithing, but she founded and has been running Metalsmiths for Change. This is a massive effort to organize metalsmiths and other artists to concretely take action against police brutality and racism towards Black people through auctions and awareness-raising. Thus far, the auctions have raised nearly $80,000 for a variety of organizations from the ACLU, to the Black Trans Advocacy Coalition, Black Women's Health Imperative, Outdoor Afro and SO MANY MORE! Please see the whole list HERE and be inspired to learn about and perhaps even donate to these orgs yourself. 2021 will bring a new round of fundraisers so stay tuned to the Metalsmiths for Change Instagram page.
.
Kendria is also a self-taught lapidary artist who cuts and sells cabochons through her business Solid Cabs. The stones she cuts are sold through her Instagram page. Below is an example of a parcel of cabochons she cut.
.
.
Did I already mention that Kendria is a multi-faceted artist and business woman? In addition to her metalsmithing business, stone-cutting venture and running Metalsmiths for Change, she also has begun to dabble in the 2D world of watercolors! You can check out her colorful work at Solid Treasures Art Instagram page.
.
.
Needless to say, Kendria is an incredibly talented, driven and inspiring woman. As a fellow artist I admire the ways that Kendria has used her platform and craft to advocate for social and racial justice. I hope you give her a follow, purchase her art, and keep tabs on what she dives into next.
