Emery Wainscott
Lifestyle Editor
[email protected]

Alum Jo Bennett’s typical work day starts with a cup of coffee, the WKMS morning news and a thorough read of some theory and research.

Once in their art studio, they prepare for a full day of productions and commissions, with maybe a client consultation or two. 

“[My favorite things are] the ability to manipulate a material that is often seen as hard and unmoving,” Bennett said. “I continue to be amazed by what can be done with just a little know-how. Second, it’s seeing the appreciation from customers, hearing how much they love wearing or using what I create, often showing off when they see me.”

 Bennett creates art pieces through metalsmithing. Metalsmithing uses a variety of processes such as casting, forging and fabrication, Bennett said.

Bennett rents their art studio space from The Murray Art Guild, where they also volunteer, assisting with the Guild Market and answering visitors’ or workshop participants’ questions.

Their exhibition, “remnants,” after two years in the making, opened as scheduled on Friday, Nov. 5 at the Murray Art Guild.

While studying art and design at Murray State, they discovered metalsmithing and use it today in their own studio, JBenn Studio. Some of the commissioned pieces they make are legacy pieces, such as a reformed piece of jewelry made out of a mother’s and grandmother’s wedding rings.

Originally, Bennett’s career plan was to attend pastry school and work in a bakery. After graduating, they said they lost interest in this field, but still wanted to continue with art, so they returned to Murray State to join the art and design program.

“As part of the program, I took the opportunity to explore as many areas and processes as possible but eventually fell in love with the craft area, resulting in a dual emphasis in metalsmithing and woodworking,” Bennett said.

Their exhibition features work from college until now. Bennett said they regard it as a continuation of their past work.

“I’ve always been drawn to the nature of fragility and ephemera, as well as the desperate attempts we often take to preserve memory or prevent loss,” Bennett said. “The result is an object which acts as both memorial and memento mori.”

After graduating from Murray State, Bennett found themselves without a studio to work in. They said they left their previous job because of both personal and medical reasons.

“I figured I’d rather break my back doing what I love than to do so at a dead end job lacking in support and appreciation,” Bennett said. “This decision was made easier with the tremendous support of everyone at the Guild as well as friends and colleagues in the greater smithing community.”

 As a solution, they decided to rent a private studio of Murray Art Guild’s in 2018. They said the environment at the Guild is incredibly supportive towards their efforts as an artist.

“I’m honestly not sure where I’d be without them,” Bennett said. “In fact, this show was scheduled two years ago this month when I announced I’d be going into business for myself as a full-time artist, jeweler and metalsmith. It’s been quite the opportunity to build toward and I’m ever grateful for their support and willingness to help celebrate this milestone with me.”

After a day at the studio, Bennett said they feel exhausted, but the work isn’t done yet. Administrative work, like accounting, social media, emails or answering phone calls takes up many of their nights.

“The best nights, however, are ones where I get to work on personal projects as I continue to explore other forms of media; lately its fibers and weaving,” Bennett said. “Despite all this work and at times not-so-fun tasks, I’ve yet to wake up dreading my job.”

Bennett said they draw inspiration from many local artists.

“There are so many talented artists here in Murray and the surrounding area, it’s hard to say,” Bennett said. “I think what inspires me most is their determination and dedication to the craft they love so much, as well as their sense of community and willingness to share knowledge and support others in an effort to grow the art community and ensure its continued survival.”

The reception for “remnants” will be at 5 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 12 at the Murray Art Guild.