Artists ~ Elizabeth Novak ~ Providence

Artist’s name: Elizabeth Novak
Business name: With Care
Location: Providence
Etsy shop: withcaregoods.etsy.com
Website: www.with-care.net
Twitter: twitter.com/withcarejewelry
Facebook: www.facebook.com/withcarejewelry


1. Tell us about your work

I like to make the kind of smart, delicate jewelry that I like to wear. Hopefully, other people will like to wear it, too.

2. How did you come to be a professional artist/crafter?

I think that I have never not been making things. Eventually, people took notice and asked if I would be into trading money for handmade things. Word of mouth got around and I came into the fabulous opportunity to work for a person in the position of "maker". This, coupled with my arts based education, and a desire to find a way to financially sustain my ideas and interests led to me putting it all out there as a full-time, professional artist and craftsman working for myself as well as others.

3. Where do you draw your inspiration?

I often jokingly refer to myself as a "pragmatic romantic". Sweet things but within reason! I love an item that is a pleasure to look at and a joy to use. I get many on my ideas from the past. I grew up going to antique shows and flea markets with my mother. I've spent time working as a researcher an archivist. Living in Providence, the idea of "the past" is never far away. It's maybe the closest thing to time travel.

4. What’s your favorite item to make?

I love making things in multiples and then seeing them all together. Right now, I'm really into setting little Swarovski crystal eyes into older designs, such as Thee Whip Necklace and Tie Bar as well as the Cocktail Monkey Earrings.

5. What’s your best seller?

The Medusa Headband sells really well. I've worn mine to weddings but I've also worn it while working out. I'd like to live in a world where a crown of snakes is never not appropriate.

6. How long have you been in Rhode Island?

6 years and counting.

7. What do you {heart} about Rhode Island?

So much! I love its size. I love how everybody knows each other. I love the city and its architecture and street layout. When I first moved here, I spent my days just walking around and looking. I love how quickly the city turns into the country or the woods. I love the East Bay Bike Path. Wow, do I love it! I love the Rhode Island attitude of resistance to change. Always using outdated landmarks and not caring when no one knows what you are talking about.

8. Please include anything else you’d like to add:

While not native, I think of myself as naturalized Rhode Islander.