Meet Lindsey Johnson | Jewelry Designer & Creator at Geophilia Studio

We had the good fortune of connecting with Lindsey Johnson and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Lindsey, why did you decide to pursue a creative path?
After leaving the oil industry, I chose to pursue a creative career that aligns better with how I’m wired. I’ve always thrived in environments where I can move, shift gears, and follow my curiosity. At a past industry job, management would actually track how often we left our desks, and that really highlighted for me how much I value freedom and flexibility in my workday. I realized that I’m someone who needs to get up and move around every once and awhile. I’ve learned that I do my best thinking when I can get up, stretch, and let ideas flow naturally—especially in spaces filled with light and energy.

Choosing a creative path has brought me so much joy and a renewed sense of purpose. I’m finally doing work that comes directly from my own ideas and imagination, and that’s incredibly fulfilling. It’s wonderful to be able to bring beauty into the world that people can carry around with them. It certainly doesn’t pay as well, unfortunately, but I’m working on that and hope to get my jewelry into local stores and national galleries very soon.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I’ve been a jeweler for 15 years. I started with beading and putting together components, but it’s when I took a metalsmithing class that it all turned around. I’m mostly self-taught through books and online tutorials and classes.

I’ve been thinking alot lately about why I came to jewelry and what it is about jewelry that keeps me so engaged. Not only do I love sparkly and shiny things and to adorn myself with those things, but it’s the craftsmanship that keeps me in love with the work. My mentor said “I think with my hands.” and I love that because it’s so true. Illustrating is not my strong suit and I find that I have to put a piece together so I can see how it looks in real life, how it wears, and if it’s comfortable.

My brand is Geophilia which is Latin for “Earth-loving”. This is the perfect name for my studio because I actually have a Master’s degree in Geology and worked in the oil industry for a few years. I don’t regret my science education because it taught me how the earth works, how to do research, and to question the world around me. Plus, I love using stones in my work and I have a hard time saying no to a gorgeous piece of jasper. So, the Latin is a nod to my scientific background and the meaning is a nod to my love for stones, for gardening, and for saving the planet in general.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Houston is such a big city and there’s SO much to do and see. Museums are some of my favorite places to go in any city I’m visiting, so we would hit the MFAH and HMNS. If you’re interested in space, Space Center Houston is always an interesting visit. Some of my favorite restaurants are Taste of Texas, Shulas, and Cafe Caspian. A Qamaria coffee just opened near me and they have some of the best coffee. There are always shows happening downtown, whether you like ballet, music, or plays. The Alley, Jones, and especially the Wortham bring in some really great performances.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
My husband deserves a huge shoutout for his unwavering support of my endeavors. This is still a growing business and he could easily have asked me to stop and get a real job, but he was encouraged me and supported me and for that, I’m truly grateful. I also want to shoutout my mom for the same thing. She has come with me to numerous art shows and sat outside in the heat and cold for hours helping me sell my work. She is always encouraging, even when I’m crying that no one wants my work and the business will never go anywhere, she talks me down from the ledge and helps me get back on track.

There are many people to thank, from the Art League of Houston for offering jewelry classes, to Mitch Cohen of First Saturday Arts Market for everything he does for local artists.

Website: https://GeophiliaStudio.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/geophiliastudio/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GeophiliaStudio

Image Credits
All photos are by the artist, Lindsey Johnson