Trusting the Work with Shannon Kennedy

cgoucher
Dec 29, 2025
4 min read

Trusting the work can be harder than trusting a plan.

In this conversation, Shannon reflects on what it means to stay with the work while it is still forming. We talk about patience, attention, and learning to listen without trying to force clarity. Her words are a grounded reminder that creative confidence often comes from staying in relationship with the process, not racing to the finish line.

You’ve spent years creating and teaching jewellery. What first pulled you into this world and what made you want to keep going?
It was truly a sink-or-swim moment. My friend, who was a jewellery instructor at Mohawk College, was going on maternity leave and recommended me to take over her class. I only had a week to prepare and was incredibly nervous! As an introvert, I never imagined myself teaching—but I pushed past that self-doubt and decided to go for it. Once I started, I realized that when I’m talking about something I love, my confidence shines through. I discovered how much I enjoy teaching, and the positive feedback from my students gave me the encouragement to keep going.
When you start a new piece, where does the idea usually come from—the materials, a story, or just playing at the bench?
New ideas usually come from nature—especially flora and fauna—or from a more abstract concept. I always carry a small sketchbook with me, so when inspiration strikes, I’ll jot down a quick note or sketch to revisit later. I also find that ideas tend to flow when I’m driving; something about that quiet, in-between space helps me think through how I might bring a new piece to life.
You’ve taught so many people their first steps in metalsmithing. What do you love most about teaching, and what does it give back to your own practice?
What I love most about teaching is sharing the knowledge I’ve gathered throughout my years of jewellery making. Many artists tend to guard certain techniques, but I’ve always taken the opposite approach—I enjoy being open and passing along every tip and trick I’ve learned. I remember wishing someone had done that for me when I was first starting out. The interaction with students is incredibly energizing; witnessing their excitement as they discover new skills is deeply rewarding. Teaching also revitalizes my own practice by encouraging me to see familiar processes from new perspectives and reminding me to stay inventive and flexible in my approach.
You often work with people to turn their stories or keepsakes into something they can wear. How do you help them bring those ideas to life?
When someone comes to me with a story or keepsake, I start by really listening. I take notes as they talk, and together we explore a few initial ideas. Afterward, I go through my notes and start sketching—this is where I dive deeper into how their story can take shape as a piece of jewellery. I’ll refine the strongest concepts and either meet with them again or send an email with sketches to review. From there, they might ask for more ideas in a similar direction, or they’ll choose a favourite—and that’s when the making begins.
You’ve made a lot of pieces over the years. What still surprises or excites you when you’re in the middle of making something?
There’s always a point in making where the piece takes on a life of its own. Sometimes I realize it just can’t be made exactly the way I first imagined, so I have to pivot and rethink my approach. Other times, everything flows perfectly and comes together just as I envisioned. My favourite moments, though, are when the idea suddenly expands—when I see it could become something even more than I planned. I love diving down that rabbit hole of new ideas and seeing where it leads.
When your creative energy dips, what do you do to get back into that good making flow?
When my creative energy dips, I usually step away and lose myself in a good book—reading always helps me reset. Other times, I like to play in a different medium for a while. I love experimenting with printmaking, pottery, felting, painting, and drawing. Switching things up helps me see ideas from a new angle and brings fresh energy back to my jewellery work.

Bonus Question: Is there something you’ve been dreaming about making or teaching that you haven’t done yet?:

I’m actually working on a special ring for myself! I’ve made meaningful pieces for so many other people over the years, but never one just for me. It feels really good to finally take the time to create something personal—a piece that represents my own story.

Shannon makes a strong case for creative patience. Not the kind that sits politely, but the kind that keeps paying attention when nothing feels finished yet. Sometimes the most productive thing you can do is stop trying to force the ending.

To see Shannon's work, check out her website: http://www.cynosure-jewelry.com/

This series grows through word of mouth and the creative people who nudge me toward the next conversation. If someone comes to mind whose creativity inspires you, send them my way.

Until next week, Christine