TheStrangeGrain

I, Will Barnes, born William D. Barnes III, owner/artist, was born and raised in New Mexico of mixed racial descent; Spanish, Native, and Dutch. My style embodies who I am, and where I came from. With strong southwest influence, my designs incorporate the essence of the southwest and its traditions, as well as the way of life many New Mexicans can relate to.

I was raised in extreme poverty throughout my childhood. My mother and father split when I was a young child, so, I was dispositioned and ailed with the lack of opportunity almost immediately. I was fortunate to have played baseball while growing up, where I learned things like being a team player as well as having a strong competitive edge. I was a pitcher, which basically takes the stage when playing baseball, which gave me confidence when performing amongst an audience.

Before I became a jeweler, I had a variety of skilled trades in which I professed. Drawing, the fundamental root of most creation, was my first love when it comes to art itself. In my late teens, I learned how to weld and do ornamental ironwork, which led to my first trades job as a welder/fabricator/millwright, when I moved to Southern California at the end of 1999.

I've been making jewelry for about 3 years now and have become a well known southwest jeweler throughout the United States and abroad. Since I've basically just begun, I feel like the sky is the limit.

If you have some dreamy ideas that you'd like to bring to fruition, I'm your guy. With over 20 years of metal fabrication experience, you'll get quality craftsmanship, as well as an investment-grade product that you can enjoy for years to come. Send me a message and we can get started on your custom, tailored-to-you heirloom piece.