The ancient craftsmen of the Celts, Vikings and Saxons have always inspired me and my work.
Some 40 years ago a younger Ark decided to try to make his living making cloak clasps and medieval jewellery. I had done glass sculpture for ten years and was up for trying something new. I had discovered the Society for Creative Anachronism (SCA), a Medieval reenactment group, that sought to recreate a more perfect version of Medieval times centered around the code of chivalry. These people dressed in Medieval clothing and there was a need for authentic jewellery and especially for cloak clasps, since everyone had a cloak. I built a wooden cart to sell my wares from, and Ark's Cart was born. A few years later I was awarded the status of Master within the group and it became Master Ark's Cart.
The business eventually out grew the cart, but my major venues were still Medieval events.
Life changed. I quit making Medieval jewellery, and sold my business and designs to another Medieval jeweller. I moved from New Mexico to Maui, fell in love, and went to England. From England I visited numerous museums, seeing first hand the pieces that I had only seen in books and so many things that never make it into books. There were so many things waiting for me to make! I moved to Canada with my new wife, bought back some of my original designs, and started making new pieces. Master Ark's was reborn.
Now as a much older Ark I have reluctantly entered the 21st century. It is very different from the 10th century where I feel so at home! And here is Etsy - a way to offer my creations to a whole new group of people! Thank you for being one of those people!
I'm slowing down now, but I want to keep making my jewellery as long as possible and sharing it with you here. ( As they say, it was better being in your 20's during the 70's than it is being in your 70's in the 20's! )
You can learn more about me and my work by visiting my web site: www.MasterArk.com
