Featured Artist Of The Month - Brenda McDermott

Happy September Everyone! Glad to have you stop by my blog this month. It seems the year will be over soon. Where has time go?? I am so glad to introduce you this month's Artist of The Month - Brenda McDermott from Rei of Light Jewelry. She has a wonderful story to share with us. Her jewelry line is truly amazing.

-Please tell us about yourself.

My name is Brenda, and I design unique, meaningful, intentional, beautiful jewelry. Before I discovered my true self, I spent the first part of my working life in the corporate world. When I realized my true passion was helping people, I left it all behind to devote myself to health, wellness, and the healing arts. I now focus my time working as an artist/jewelry designer and supporting people to reach their highest potential.

-Where are you originally from?

I’m originally from NJ, I moved to AZ when I was 25 or 26 and then to S. California in 2008.

-How did you start this journey?

The name of my company, "Rei-of-Light Jewelry Designs," is an homage to my Mother--my personal guiding Ray of Light. During a profound "out of body" experience while meditating, I saw myself on the Titanic as it was sinking, tied to a massive desk by a ball and chain. I jumped off into the water screaming, "I'm drowning! Someone please help me!" At that very moment, a ray of light appeared with a clear vision of my Mother, who had died tragically in a car accident when I just 26. And here is what she said to me:

"Just let go; be free; go live the life you desire..."

This message came at such a critical juncture in my life--I was literally "drowning" in my life--the life that I created. I was not living the life I desired--I was not happy and certainly not free. Everything changed for me after that revelation. It was time to follow my heart's desire.

From a young age, I was interested in designing jewelry and the healing properties of crystals and but it was just a hobby until I started taking jewelry designing classes over the years to learn new skills. I loved everything about making jewelry--the process from inception to completion, the creative outlet that designing provides, learning new techniques, and experiencing satisfaction when a fabulous piece emerges.

-Your spirit animal would be?

Hawk based on my birthday.

-Is there something that you are currently learning to amplify your skills?

Yes, I have started to dive more into Fine Jewelry meaning diamonds, gemstones, settings, engagement rings, wedding rings, anniversary rings, custom designs for special occasions. I’m really enjoying expanding my business in this arena and learning new skills to support my work in this type of designing.

Check out my other website for this business- https://reioflight.jewelershowcase.com/

What inspires your work?

The inspiration for my designs comes from life – an encounter, a moment captured or a glimpse of something undefined. I love to translate designs from a creative expression that comes from my heart. I swim a lot and many of my design ideas come to me when I’m in the water. I tend to combine stones that have specific healing properties into my pieces and then I name each piece based upon the properties of the stones. I usually just sit down at my design table with hundreds of stones in front of me and just start to play and create from scratch. I don’t draw out any of my designs or look at magazines for ideas, I sometimes just get an intuitive nudge and things start to happen.

-How do you share your artistry with the world? Where can we find you online?

My art studio is in Southern California where my creative juices now flow from the beauty and light of my environment. Every step of the crafting process is personal with me: shopping for the highest quality materials, conceiving designs, and meticulously hand-crafting each item.

I have many repeat customers that buy all their gifts from me for their friends, family, co-workers, employees, etc.

I share my gifts and talents with people that have cancer or a loved one that reaches out to me to have something made for someone with cancer. This is a subject matter that I’m very passionate about and really love to help support people during this most difficult time through education and designing custom pieces. Crystals and gemstones have such healing benefits on the physical body and are a great source of comfort.

I sell my designs all over the world! I never even imagined this would happen, but it has. I sell online @ www.reioflightjewelry.com and through my social media channels: https://www.facebook.com/reioflightjewelry and https://www.instagram.com/reioflightjewelry/

-Do you do this full time or is it more of hobby?

Thankfully, I’m blessed to have Rei of Light Jewelry be my full-time work. I love it so much that it can feel like a hobby and doesn’t often feel like work.

-What do you wish to accomplish by sharing with others your artistry?

My work is so much more than simply making jewelry. I truly believe in the healing properties of crystals and gemstones, and I combine this with my passion for creating beautiful, unique pieces. My jewelry can be appreciated on many levels--from the deep spiritual qualities it imbues all the way to merely catching the eye of the buyer who wants to look her best.

If I can be an inspiration in your life in some way, I will consider my work a success. My hope is that you will find something that connects you to the healing properties of the natural world and awakens a sense of your own inner beauty. Whenever I hear the words, "Your jewelry has become my 'go-to' pieces," I feel gratified.

-What is the most important thing in your life?

My family. My husband of 23 years, Chris and my two Yorkshire Terrier dogs, Mendocino, 14 and Napili, 16. The other most important thing is how I start my day. I don’t leave the house before I meditate, write in my gratitude journal, my regular journal (which I bought from Jen 😊) and read my daily spiritual guide for the day.

-Do you have a personal motto? Or Favorite quote?

Never Give Up

Brenda has some beautiful jewelry in her shop. Here are some pictures to showcase her unique designs.