About the Artist
Hi! I’m Larkin Hamilton, the homeschooled teen maker behind Idle Talons. I have always loved the process of creation-- the transformation of raw materials into something new and tangible. Jewelry making has been one facet (ha!) of this fascination for as long as I can remember. I learned about the existence of seed beads at age 3 (according to my mum) and I spent countless hours stringing and re-stringing these smallest possible beads.
My mum operated a free book store when I was little, and often brought home craft project books as creative idea fodder. One of these was a Klutz book featuring insects and figures made from seed beads and craft wire. It’s hard for me to believe now, but that book sat around our house for a couple of years before I finally picked it up at age 6! Without that book, I’m not sure Idle Talons would have ever been realized-- and certainly not when I was so young!
My dad and I made a sandwich board when I was 7 and I joined in local markets (in a strictly unofficial capacity) selling “bead bug” earrings and pendants. It turns out people like supporting an entrepreneurial little kid in pigtails! I still have a soft spot for these whimsical little critters and continue to sell them as wine glass charms and small jewelry items.
My family’s support is a common element throughout my creative life. When I was 10, my uncle gifted me a sample pack of high quality copper wire and planted the idea of wire wrapping in my brain. Waiting for inspiration to strike is another common element in my creative process, and I didn’t actually pick up the wire until I was 12. In the beginning, I watched a few YouTube videos on basic techniques to get me going, but then I stopped looking at what other people were making for quite a long time-- I wanted to develop my own style without too many outside influences.
When I got serious about wire wrapping, I became interested in making even more of the process my own. Stone has so much personality, and how it is cut can completely change the impression it gives! Our local rock machine shop at Crater Rock Museum had a minimum age requirement of 14 years, and I signed up for their mandatory introductory class within weeks of my birthday. I LOVED the lapidary work! Being able to choose my stone, how and where to cut it, the shape of the cabochon, and the height of the dome all enabled me to create pieces that felt “right” to me-- from the first cuts of stone to the final flourishes of wire. Cue more family support: My grandparents gave me a Genie so I can cut and polish cabs at home. Now, when I have an idea for a new design but I don’t have a cab that feels right, I can make one right away.
As time goes on, I’m increasingly interested in working exclusively with stones found by my family and friends. While they may not be as flashy as some of the more exotic gemstones, I can be sure they are ethically sourced and I’m really drawn to more personality and subtle patterns in stone. That said, it’s easy to be inspired by all the gorgeous applegate jade, agate, jasper, obsidian, petrified wood, chert, quartz, and more within an easy drive of our southern Oregon home!
As an extrovert, all of this creation would be a lonely business without modern technology. I pretty much always multi-task while I work; I Skype with friends, read with my family, listen to podcasts, audiobooks, or TED talks. Family movie nights wouldn’t be complete without lots of snacks, tasty beverages, and me working in a puddle of light in the corner.
In-person markets are one of my favorite parts of doing business! My first market was at a local winery when I was 12, and I went on to participate in many local events-- most notably jurying into the Rogue Valley Growers and Crafters Market at 13. 2020 and the pandemic put a big pause on most in-person markets, but I was able to maintain that crucial feeling of connection with people through my art via social media and on-line markets like the Royaboya Handmade Bazaar. Local rock shop Dragon Crystals has featured Idle Talons as their artist of the month twice, and a local art gallery (the Crooked Mile Gallery) has put together a display featuring my work. These have been fantastic opportunities, and I hope to work with more brick-and-mortar shops in the future.
A writer for Rock & Gem Magazine found my work on-line in the spring of 2021 and reached out about writing an article. I was so humbled and excited to see the results when it was published as a 3 page spread in the December 2021 issue of the magazine!
At 18, I’m not sure where Idle Talons might take me in the future! I feel super fortunate to have the prospect of a career doing what I love, and there is SO much more to learn! My latest toy is a metal roller-- like a playdough factory that allows me to make square, half round, and triangular wire, comfort bands for rings, and textured sheet metal. I’ve barely scratched the surface (ha!) of where that might take me, especially when combined with some more traditional torch work and metal smithing. I’m very drawn to the idea of making my own wire and art from scrap metals that might otherwise end up in a landfill.
When I’m not working on projects for Idle Talons, I’m likely to be swinging an axe or machete on our hillside, working on digging a hobbit hole, or hiking. I play D&D and, as if I’m not already nerdy enough, I’m a competitive bowler in youth leagues. I have campaigned for progressive politicians locally and can’t wait until the government deems me old enough to cast my vote for people and laws that are working to correct social injustices.
Thank you so much for being here!.