Julie Merrill

Roots From the Sky

Brass, copper, Argentium silver

"This piece was created during a challenging period in my life following the loss of my father. In my search for a sense of grounding, I came to realize that he had not truly departed; rather, I found a connection to him through my relationship with the natural world. The sun emerged as a source of inspiration, encouraging me to forge ahead in my journey and to express my truth to the world."

— Julie Merrill

About the artist

Julie Merrill

American

I am the third child of a Northern family that relocated to the mountains of Western North Carolina in the early 1970s. Growing up on a small horse farm surrounded by vast expanses of forest, I experienced a childhood rich in both responsibility and enjoyment, with the nearby wilderness offering endless opportunities for exploration through horses, nature, and personal introspection.

Following my graduation from high school, I embarked on various paths of exploration. My journey included formal studies in anthropology and travel across Africa on four occasions, as well as visits to Europe and Central America, in addition to extensive exploration within the United States. Upon returning to Asheville, I delved into the study of medicinal plants and subsequently pursued jewelry-making in 2004, which sparked my interest in larger-scale steel production.

In 2010, I completed the Professional Crafts Program at Haywood Community College, earning an Associate's degree in Professional Crafts. The education I received at Haywood, along with multiple workshops at the John C. Campbell Folk School and the Penland School of Craft, significantly enhanced my professional skills and prepared me for expansive opportunities in metalworking. After an apprenticeship with a professional jeweler and a blacksmith, I established my own business in both jewelry design and blacksmithing in 2011. Subsequently, I shifted my focus solely to mixed metal jewelry work.