Bill Churlik
Jewelry / Silversmithing
www.earthspeakarts.com
William (Bill) Churlik, with a Philosophy and Religion degree from Newberry College, has been a jeweler for over thirty years and is an accomplished lapidary, metal smith, and woodworker. He has taught beginning and advanced Silversmithing in various venues including Wild Acres at Little Switzerland, NC and Haywood Community College's Continuing Education Program in Clyde, NC. He currently teaches Silversmithing and metal work at his studio (Earthspeak Arts) at the Woolworth Walk.
Bill learned to cut gemstones from his grandfather, who was a "rock hound". Bill soon found that when you cut and polish enough little cabochons, you have to do something with them. He started looking at books then joined the East Ohio Lapidary Club. His first attempts at silver jewelry were justly primitive but provided a starting point for a passion that has followed him all of his life. Now he lets that passion lead the way.