Jewelry Artist Mary Timmer: Uncovering the ‘Softness’ in Metal

Q+Art is an artist interview column designed to support the art and artists of Asheville, NC. In this month’s interview, we speak with jewelry artist Mary Timmer.

Never mix jewelry metals, say the experts—always match. It’s an outdated fashion rule that jewelry artist Mary Timmer happily ignores as she forges and fabricates wearable pieces in her metalsmithing studio. “I love working with a combination of gold and silver,” she says, adding, “I like how the metals complement each other.”

Located just north of Asheville in quaint Weaverville, NC, Mary’s studio is one of four spaces occupying the back of Miya Gallery on the town’s Main Street. The gallery, owned and operated by Mary and her business partner, jewelry artist Jason Janow, has been in business for two decades and represents over 40 regional artists. The gallery specializes in fine jewelry but also carries ceramics, handblown glass, leather journals, and traditional 2D fare for your walls. “[Miya Gallery] is a must-see when visiting this area,” says Mary, who recommends an afternoon in Weaverville for travelers weary of Asheville’s crowded River Arts District: “Weaverville has become a destination spot, too. The Weaverville Art Safari has been going on twice a year and is one of the longest-running self-guided art tours in Asheville.” Plus, as Mary points out, Weaverville boasts free parking and “some great galleries and restaurants” within walking distance of each other.

Visitors to Weaverville will find Mary’s work (and maybe Mary herself) at Miya Gallery. Her elegant, pearl-encrusted pieces attract curious window shoppers from the street, but Mary works her magic from behind the scenes in the gallery’s anterior studio space. “Every time I create a piece of jewelry, I am working to uncover the softness in metal,” she says, describing her process as a “unique combination of forging and hand fabrication” that results in layers upon layers of touch-me texture. “I love creating pieces that people want to touch and that have a natural warmth.”

Want to see Mary’s studio in person? Art Connections offers customized tours to groups or individuals who want to experience the thriving arts scene in and around Asheville. Schedule a tour by contacting Art Connections here.

In Today’s Q+Art Interview…

Mary Timmer discusses the ancient symbolism of the spiral, how she became “enamored” with metal, and the very specific reason she uses rubies and sapphires in her work.

What are you trying to express with your work?

Mary Timmer: I try to express a sense of connection with the buyer in my work—a feeling of comfort, uniqueness, and wearability. When the buyer recognizes a tiny detail or is drawn to a specific piece that has meaning. Kind of like how music is created by the musician, and the listener has their own interpretation of the song and how they connect to it in their own way.

Which cultural concepts, themes, or philosophies inform your work?

MT: I think the idea that we are all connected in some way as humans. We each have our own beliefs and backgrounds. I’ve always been drawn to the ancient spiral symbol and use it frequently in my work.

How did you first become interested in jewelry-making?

MT: Even as a young child, I enjoyed making things. In high school, I took a pottery class and made little clay beads that I made into necklaces and earrings. Interestingly, I didn’t take my first metalsmithing class until after I graduated from college. I have a BFA in art education. I took many different art classes in college; however, they did not offer a jewelry class. Once I took that first class, I was enamored with metal. I worked as an apprentice to a jeweler for three years, where I became proficient with basic metalsmithing skills and production work. I enjoyed it so much that I decided to further my skills and go back to school for jewelry design.

What are some of your favorite stone or metal combinations? Why?

MT: I have always been drawn to pearls and like to work them into a modernized, simple design. Aquamarine, sapphire, diamonds, and quartz stones (amethyst, topaz, garnet, and the like) are also favorites. The addition of a bit of sparkle and color with stones and the luster of pearls is pleasing to my eyes.

Does your jewelry reflect anything about the Asheville region? For example, are the stones you use found in the area?

MT: Rubies and sapphires can be found in WNC. I love using them in my work. I have been rock mining on occasion but quickly realized I am better suited in the studio and purchasing already-cut stones.

Which periods or locations do you find most interesting regarding jewelry?

MT: The earliest forms of jewelry-making intrigue me the most. Ancient Egyptian especially. How the early craftsmen used such simple tools to create wearable art is truly fascinating. They also incorporated spirals in their pieces, which I am also drawn to. On the other spectrum, I am drawn to modern simplicity—clean lines with a classic elegance.

​​How does your geographical location affect your work and/or success?

MT: In 1998, I moved to Western NC to further my studies in jewelry. This area had never really been on my radar until then. I think I only knew one person when I moved here. Little did I know that WNC is flooded with the arts. I made connections in school, and it just made sense to stay and see how things would evolve. I worked for three different jewelers from home while raising my son. In 2003, I juried into the Southern Highland Craft Guild and started working on my own designs more and more. In 2003, I created Timmer Designs and slowly started building my business. I worked from home until 2012. Then, I rented a studio in The River Arts District near downtown Asheville for seven years. The RAD is an area where working artists have open studios for people to come meet the artists and purchase their work. It is truly a destination area for the region. In 2019, I moved my studio to Miya Gallery in Weaverville, NC, which is only 15 minutes from downtown Asheville.

What’s your favorite creative ritual?

MT: It excites me when I have a design idea swirling in my mind and finally take the time to create a new piece. It can be difficult to take the time to create new pieces when I am deep in production mode.

Mary Timmer: Website | Instagram | Facebook | Miya Gallery | Book a Studio Tour

This interview has been edited for length and clarity. All photos published with permission of Mary Timmer. Jewelry photos by Stewart Stokes.

Q+Art was created in partnership with ArtsvilleUSA’s sister organization, NOT REAL ART, which operates under our parent non-profit, Arterial.