Noah Williams

In December of 2012, University of Vermont sophomore, Mackenzie Bowker, walked into a craft store on her winter break and bought a spool of wire. Three and a half years later, she is the creator and owner of Mackenzie Rose Designs, hand making a variety of jewelry from leather bracelets to sterling silver earrings.

Bowker is self-taught in the metal arts, and creates very simple and extremely elegant designs evoking primal, almost petroglyphic, images. Every bracelet is cut, every earring bent and shaped, and every necklace hammered flat solely by Bowker herself.

She admits that it’s exhausting being the heart and soul of her own business, but loves the freedom and control that being a self-employed artist allows her. Most of her process, she says, is very “placed based” meaning that there is an ability to be able to transport tools and materials that is essential.

“I Like to be outside when I make it,” says Mackenzie, “everything comes more naturally when I’m outside”

The simplicity of each piece is a hallmark of all Mackenzie Rose Designs’ jewelry. You won’t find beads or fantastical colors on her display table. Instead, the artist uses her work to express certain aspects of her personality using the most basic of methods.

“I used to be very reserved I guess, I kinda still am, but this was a way for me to express a more abstract funky part of me”

For Mackenzie Bowker, the money will always be secondary to the art, and the community that her work brings her in contact with. In the Portland artist community, of which she is a prominent part of, older more experienced artists helped Bowker become established, and now she is beginning to do the same for other young artists who are just starting out.

Besides the fact that Mackenzie had no intention of setting out to be self-employed when she walked into that craft store almost four years ago, her art seems to transcend age, gender, and status.

Mackenzie Rose designs booth can be found at any of the Portland Farmer’s Markets (Saturdays at Deering Oaks Park, or Wednesdays in Monument Square), and in front of Reny’s during first Friday. Bowker’s jewelry is also available in local stores including Earrings and Company in Freeport, Beauty Heels in Falmouth, as well as a few stores in New Hampshire.

Bowker also has a thriving market in the old port during Cruise ship season, and also attends 10-15 craft shows a year.

Mackenzie Bowker’s story is an incredible tribute to passion and being willing to fallow the path least taken. She states that flexibility and remaining true to your cause makes her work possible.

“I honestly don’t know why I went to the store and bought wire, but it’s working for me.” She says with a laugh.

If you would like to see more pieces by Mackenzie Rose Designs, visit her online store at www.etsy.com/shop/MacKenzieRoseDesigns, or follower her on a verity of social media platforms including Facebook (Mackenzie Rose Designs) and Instagram (@mackenzierosedesigns).