Featured Louisiana Etsy Seller Choctaw

Halito Yall. This week we are featuring R.J., located at etsy shop choctaw.etsy.com

Please tell us where you live?
I live in Trout,Louisiana which is also known as America's colon.

What kind of work do you do?
I am a silversmith, mainly forging one off jewelry items and occasionally small tabletop sculptures of sterling silver.

What do you consider your main creative influences?minor?
Dreams inspire my work more than any other outside influence. Art Deco style architecture has a mild influence on my work at times. I enjoy reading art related magazines and am amazed at the similarity of work by artists on opposite ends of the globe.

What Markets do you participate in in the area/region/state/nationally?
I participate in several American Indian art shows. Within Louisiana, I am an invited artist at NSU's Native American Art Show & Sale, the first weekend of December in Natchitoches. I was recently showing at NSU's Folk Life Festival this past July 21. I'll be joining in with the Clifton Band of Choctaws for SwampFest at Audubon Zoo in November.

When did you join Etsy and how has it impacted your business?
I joined Etsy in November 2006 and while it hasn't resulted in a floodtide of sales, I've met some really cool people.

Any advice for new sellers?

My advice for new sellers would be don't depend on Etsy as your main source of income. I get plenty of custom work through my retail location and selling at shows is something that I highly recommend as it is extremely profitable and it's a blast.

Yakoke RJ!


Email RJ at ndnbrutha@yahoo.com
You can also check out Choctaw's profile at
http://www.etsy.com/profile.php?user_id=111835