Kindred Artist of the Week: Magayr Knox

“The persistent call of creative expression has led me to a place where I feel like I can harness all of this into something wildly fulfilling.”

Presenting our Kindred Artist of the Week series! We are big fans of all the artists we work with and we are so excited to share their stories!

This week’s featured artist is Magayr Knox, rad mama and the creative force behind Akimbo Collection. Magayr’s work joined the shop last summer and quickly became a local favorite!

To stand akimbo means to plant hands on hips and jut elbows outward; a stance exuding confidence and strength.

Who are you?

Magayr (pronounced “mug-air”) Knox, hammer-wielding maker behind Akimbo jewelry. I was raised in Chugiak, where my husband and I are bringing up our three daughters to take on life with the spirit of the akimbo stance.

What do you do?

With an anvil of old Alaskan railroad track and my dad’s first hammer, I form mostly brass and copper into unique, simple jewelry. Sometimes I’ll wire a stone in there, too.

Who/what inspires you?

Oh, man, so much. I am inspired by a growing local community of makers, motivated by my three inventive daughters and incredibly supportive family, and forever in awe of the raw beauty of Alaska. The persistent call of creative expression has led me to a place where I feel like I can harness all of this into something wildly fulfilling.

What’s your favorite moment in the process?

There is magic in all of it. From scribbling out an idea and hammering it into reality, to seeing my work displayed on varied, gorgeous human canvases out in the world - I am just grateful for it all. Especially, though, for those moments when I realize that a thing I made connects me to people. Through the exceptional shops I work with, customers at pop-up shows, social media interactions, and getting to know other makers, I revel in the relationships that have come from swinging a hammer and putting myself out there.

What’s a trick of your trade, or a piece of advice for other artists in your medium?

Don’t be afraid to let your style unfold as you learn to recognize your own creative voice. Also, just don’t be afraid. Try new stuff. And invest in a good pair of headphones.

What’s next?

I’ve got some new tools in the workshop to break in and I hope to unleash some fresh ideas as inspiration strikes. I also plan to incorporate our converted school bus, Atlas, into some summer cross-state business ventures (and life adventures!) - because everything is more fun on the bus!