Hi! Thanks so much for taking the time to peruse my website and learn more about the human behind the bling! My name is Elise Lopez and I am a self taught Yaqui and Raramurí metal artist living in Colorado.
After studying environmental science and psychology for a few years, I ended that chapter and worked with my other love, animals! Working as a ranch hand on a horse rescue in the beautiful Colorado foothills, then working with dogs, cats, and exotic animals at an animal hospital. I've always found solitude in nature and with animals. Having a major anxiety disorder makes it less ideal for me to be in large groups or in bustling areas, but for me this works perfectly for the little quiet ranch life I aspire to live.
In 2020, I began working from home due to being immunocompromised. This really put life and my priorities into perspective. Living with autoimmune diseases that disable me is always a rollercoaster ride. The progression and "chronic-ness" of my health led me to this chapter, that you're here for!
As mentioned, my diseases will progress with time. In 2021 it was becoming nearly impossible to work at the animal hospital I had been at for 5 years. So in April, I quit my job and had a silly little idea to finally start creating and selling art full time. Almost one year later and here we are! Y'all rock!
From childhood, I always adored one of my grandfathers beautiful silver work. From his many turquoise rings, money clips, and belt buckles made by the one and only, Effie C. I had always dabbled in creating art and selling part time but never felt like I found "my thing". Then it clicked and it felt like getting back on a bike after not riding for a bit. It was organic, silversmithing has come so inherently natural that I know my ancestors are guiding me on this path.
Living in the western slope of Colorado, you can typically find me enjoying nature when not in my studio (; Thank you for being here! Thank you for allowing me to rest when needed and still share my energy with you beautiful souls. Being able to hug a little piece of earth in metal just for you is something I just want to keep doing until I can't. Love you bbys xoxo