Working with Soul

Textiles Artist Erin Kiewel 

Headshot of podcast guest Eric Kiewel right of center in wool sweater with urban scene in background
Metal & textile Artist Erin Kiewel

Erin Kiewel is an artist whose work focuses in the textile arts and in metalsmithing.  Her work is informed by generations of oral traditions.  She is a tireless advocate for social justice.  Erin has a strong sense of place and has worked on projects to deliver skills and a sense of empowerment to those living in de-industrialized communities. 

Our discussion with Erin Kiewel was spirited the way my conversations with her have always been.  She gets right to the point and our current climate both locally and abroad offered us no shortage of issues to talk about.  She is outwardly soulfull in everything she says and does, which is why we are drawn to talking with her.

She makes a very good point: Should we choose to continue with an economy that has largely cast off a large portion of our citzens?  What then?  With that economy comes great waste of not only talent but of treasure.

Her work in both textiles and in silversmithing draws forth a key question: Could a return to craft such as she practices re-wire our minds to think about our existance in a wholistic and more compassionate manner?

You’ll find more from Eric on her instagram feed.

Erin holds dual degrees from MassArt Boston where she double majored in metalworking and textiles.

Her work is carrying on a silversmithing tradition that goes back generations in her hometown of Gardner, MA. 

Erin’s Book recommendation: Braiding Sweetgrass by Robin Kimerer

Erin worked for AmeriCorp, biked across the Unites States and worked in Big Bend Nat’l Park.

Our party was crashed by M the Media Project’s newest member Bret Herholz, the ringleader for the Mental Suppository podcast.  What a discussion we all had.  It is a must listen.

 Mental Suppository FaceBook

Podcast guest Erin Kiewel assisting a textile student at the sewing machine in 2020
Logo for the Mental Suppository Podcast. Brain inside a 1950's era microphone. Black and White

Welcome to the home of SMG’s ‘Are We Here Yet?’ Podcast.  We seek to produce vibrant storytelling from the entrepreneurs, creative-class warriors and dynamic citizens that collectively tell the story of modern-day America.

Add to that special tidbits like our EssaysThe JazzRoom, Special Features and more.  We hope you find enlightenment and entertainment in each episode we present.

About our Hosts:

Scott M. Graves is the founder of SMGraves Creative Enterprises.  Most recently he was executive director of the Wachusett Business Incubator where the SMG team experimented with various programming to overcome the meaningless ‘ribbon cutting’ experiences so synonymous with much of our nation’s  well-intentioned economic development.   He is known for a steadfast resolve for intellectual rigor and business strategy.  Nothing makes Scott feel more fulfilled than to help other develop their own unique creativity which leads to fulfillment in work and life.  His team is currently partnering with The Worcshop, the east coasts largest industrial makerspace to develop the Worc-It Business Lab for incubating new business.  

An entrepreneur in his own right, Scott previously operated the former Smash Music. Along with ImageIdentity’s David Lubelczyk their team developed Leadership Candidates Program for immersive support of new enterprise and Business Triage, a direct response to the issues now exacerbated for small businesses since the spread of Covid-19.    

 

Cameron McLeod is the Producer of the ‘Are We Here Yet? Podcast. Since his high school days he has been behind the scenes of multiple productions ranging from directing live football games to filming short movies. Using his musical prowess and his technical skills gained from working as an IT professional, Cameron taught himself what it takes to mix and produce music of his own creation. To this day, he strives to better these skills whenever he can.
Offical Logo of SMG's 'Are We Here Yet? Podcast
Underwriting the ‘Are We Here Yet?’ Podcast.

Interested in advertising with us?  Perhaps you want a unique way to support the economic development work we accomplish while getting access to our intelligent and informed listeners?  Join our roster of supporters.  Click that button below to find out more.