Kris Crowell

It all began with our move to New Mexico in 2017. During my remaining years in corporate life, I charted out what I’d like my retirement to look like. I knew it had to include art, and it needed to be a three-dimensional tactile media representing the world around us. Before our move to New Mexico, I had no idea what a cabochon was or what lapidary was. But I really liked rocks! I was introduced to silversmithing and lapidary through Rio Grande Jewelry Supply, my first employer in NM. I learned a ton about both and started taking lessons. I haven’t looked back. I now teach lapidary and silversmithing from my home studio and at Santa Fe Community College. I love introducing new folks to this artform. Some might call it an obsession. I call it a passion, and I can see it in my students eyes when they are hooked!