I have always had the need to transform ordinary things into a creative statement. Pursing a variety of artistic endeavors I became a jewelry designer as the result of my exploration of texture, form, light and color. Primarily self-taught I continue to explore new techniques and designs. The greatest compliment to me is when someone incorporates one of my jewelry pieces into their unique personal style.
Each piece I create is unique in its design. I use traditional stranding, wire linking & free form wire wrapping techniques. I use primarily precious and semi-precious gemstones, born/horn, freshwater pearls & other natural elements, with a bit of sparkle from Swarovski crystals. I favor sterling silver & 24k gold fill, but also use some ethnics metals like brass & copper. I create many of my own pendants & focal pieces myself either from acid etched metals, set stones or enamel on copper.
I have been creating jewelry professionally since 2002, and I love what I do.
After years of working out of my home taking commissioned orders, internet sales & countless Art Festivals, I decided it was time for Bad Cat Creations to take the next step.
In the fall of 2008 I opened my retail location at 315 Irvine Ave (next to Snow Goose Gifts & the Bemidji Woolen Mills). Not only showcasing my own designs, but that of over 50 artists, most of whom are local.
Bad Cat Creations was awarded Best New Business of the Year for 2009 from our local Chamber of Commerce, and has gained a loyal group of clients both local and not so local.
I strive to strengthen the artist community here in Bemidji. From featuring local artists in my store, being a member of the Bemidji Community Arts Center & Participating in art events like First Fridays and the First City of Arts Studio Cruise (where I am not only an artist on the tour, but a sponsor and a board member).
Many people are curious to how Bad Cat Creations got it's name.
The truth is, it was inspired by my cat!
When I was first looking into taking my jewelry designs professional back in 2002, I was living in a small apartment in Uptown Minnespolis with two needy cats, one of which to this day still believes my only job is to give him attention. I was having a hard time picking a name for my business, tossing around ideas in my head as I worked on new designs nothing seemed just right. One day after I had ignore the pleas of attention from my cat, he did something naughty as he often did and I got up to scold him, shaking my finger and saying "no, no, BAD CAT!" It was then
I knew I had something.... Bad Cat Creations was born.
Monte
Bad Cat in training
Cecil
aka The "Good Cat"
Hooka
The Original Bad Cat
