We are so excited to have jewelry designer Max Goodman "kollaborating" with us at this year's World Maker Faire New York (she'll be leading a jewerly workshop on Saturday, September 29th--details to come)! Max designs under the company name Moxy Metals, and has a studio at Brooklyn's 3rd Ward, where she also teaches jewelry classes. A Philadelphia native, after earning her BFA at the Tyler School of Art, Max spent several years living abroad, but in 2008 relocated to Brooklyn, NY.  We love how Max creates pieces that have an exotic, baazar-found-treasure feel, but with an edgy Brooklyn twist--as Max is always experimenting with alternative materials, color and metals. Oh, and she also dabbles in horseback riding and cobblery! Find out more about Max's whims and passions below! 

My name is Max Goodman

My crafty alter-ego is Moxy Metals

Today I'm freaking out (in a good way) about my garden, my students and what delicious thing I'm going to cook for dinner.

Today I'm freaking out (in a bad way) about how this economy affects independent crafters like me, and how we can band together to stay afloat. 

My crafting weapons of choice are an oxy-acetylene torch, molten metals and plastics/resins. 

My favorite designer is my friend Jessica Hische - her typographical work just keeps getting better.  I'm also a huge fan of Guimard and art nouveau in general.

When I am looking for inspiration I spend some time in nature, or travel somewhere new.

After a long day of making things, I like to collapse into bed, or spend time with understanding friends and loved ones who don't mind that I'm coated in a fine veneer of metal dust, soot and grease.

When I think up a new project I can't stop thinking about it until I get started with a few models in clay, wax or paper.

I got started crafting when my mother realized she could entertain me for hours by putting random art supplies in front of me and simply saying, "make something."

What I like best about metal smithing is the badass nature and malleability of it - you can fix anything in metal smithing by either melting it or hammering on it.  Plus, you know, post apocalypse, totally useful set of life skills....somebody's going to have to smelt the swords!

What I find most challenging about metal smithing is the prohibitive costs of certain tools and materials - it's hard to be at the top of your game in this field without a lot of funds to back it up. 

What I wish I would have known before starting my business is I have to watch my own back, because nobody else is going to do that.

If I ever stop creating, you'll find me riding horses in the Mediterranean.  Which I do professionally every few years or so.

The first thing I do when I wake up is pet my very loud cat (who doubles as an alarm clock) and put on the coffee.

I can’t live without horses, art and delicious food.

My favorite luxury is chocolates from John and Kira's, and cheese from DiBruno Brothers - both located in my native Philadelphia.

To me, DIY means using your knowhow and ambition and making something out of it.

My least favorite words are no, and impossible.

The fictional character I relate to most is Buffy the Vampire Slayer!

My favorite thing about making is the joy, satisfaction and fulfillment it brings me.

Thanks so much Max! We can't wait to hang with you in the Kollabora Make and Take booth at Maker Faire, Saturday, September 29th at the New York Hall of Science!