Tiffany Payne: Crafting Magic in Asheville's Metal Scene

This featured artist is part of Artsville's Virtual Gallery of Art spring cohort. Participants benefit from three months of marketing and mentorship to educate and equip them to continue to pursue their craft. Witness their creations firsthand at the Artsville exhibit at the Ferguson Family YMCA in Candler until May 31. Additionally, explore their crafts at Craft in the Courtyard on Thursday, April 25, from 5-7 pm, located at 18 Brook Street in Biltmore Village. This event is co-hosted by Artsville, Wink Salon, Further Boutique, and FIG Bistro.

Tiffany Payne, a multi-generational native of Western North Carolina, is the creative force behind Young Crone Jewelry. Graduating from Haywood Community College's Professional Crafts-Jewelry Program, she dove headfirst into the world of metalsmithing. Initially, she lent her skills to local jewelers while nurturing her own studio practice, and is now spring boarding more into the solo scene

Payne's journey took her to prestigious institutions like Penland School of Craft and Arrowmont School of Arts & Crafts, where she honed her expertise in stone setting and vitreous enameling. Her artistry draws deeply from her upbringing in the region's natural splendor, intertwined with her exploration of wildcrafting plant medicine and animism.

In particular, Payne’s “chair” rings have a story that is pure Appalachia.  Pulling from the memories of sitting in cane back chairs in a holler in WNC, she weaves a beautiful story of shucking corn, stringing beans, and watching the summer breeze blow through mountainsides covered in kudzu.  This setting is a tangible memory to those growing up here and she beautifully recreates the scene through her rings.

At the heart of Payne's creations lies a profound connection to the earth and its cycles, reflecting themes of life, grief, and transformation. Each piece she crafts carries the weight of heirloom quality, empowering the wearer with its timeless beauty and symbolic resonance. Young Crone Jewelry isn't just a studio; it's a sanctuary where Payne's vision comes to life. Through her dedication to sustainability and community engagement, she inspires others to embrace their creativity and environmental stewardship. Payne's work speaks to the soul, inviting us to slow down and savor the history and natural beauty of Appalachia.

To find Tiffany Payne’s work, visit her space at our Virtual Gallery, her website youngcrone.com, or on Instagram.