I think a pretty good indicator of great jewelry could be when all of the models at a photoshoot try to buy the pieces they are wearing. Reese’s jewelry work has a certain character to it that makes it seem more like sculpture than anything else. Check out his shop on Campus Corner to see for yourself.

Where are you from?
Originally, I am from Southeastern Oklahoma; Quinton, Oklahoma to be exact. From there, I moved around Eastern Oklahoma quite a bit. I would call my home Mounds, Oklahoma.

What do you do?
Well, I own and operate a bead store on Campus Corner called ‘The Wild Hare Beadery’. Stop by and see it some time.

Who or what do you use for inspiration?
I am inspired by a lot of things. Colors, patterns, designs, etc. It’s fun to find inspiration in the world around you.

What artists do you respect right now?
Artists I respect right now? My friend Ben King is always an inspiration. I find him terribly creative. My girlfriend, Margaret Kinkeade is pretty amazing. My friend in NYC, Lulu Wolf is pretty cool. I tend to be more influenced by those around me rather than artists far away. If we were going to name someone famous, it might be Walmor Correa – he does naturalist drawings and diagrams of mythical creatures!! Oh, or Maya Hayuk.

What are you sick of?
I am sick of the Oklahoman newspaper. How anyone finds that to be a credible source of information baffles me.

What music are you listening to recently?
I have been listening to Karen Dalton lately. She is a native Oklahoman that tragically lost her life to AIDS in the 80s. Really rad stuff. Another couple of artists are Kurt Vile, MV & EE, etc.

What is your first creative memory?
When I was pretty young, I would make crossbows and guns out of hair brushes and other household items. I didn’t think it was all that creative until my mom (an art teacher) sat down to look at one of my weapons and was amazed that it had moving parts and looked at me like I was some kind of genius. I’m not a genius, I just wanted to be a G.I. Joe.

What is your favorite food/drank spot in Norman?
My favorite food/drank spot has changed since I found out I am an expectant father. Since then, I have decided not to drink alcohol or caffeine in solidarity with Marge. It was once The Library for drank and The Earth for food. Now I find myself craving Pepe’s and cookies all the time. I guess making up for the absence of alcohol.

Photos by Alex Thomas.

Thanks to Melissa, Jacob, Caitlin, Bri, and Cody for being beautiful, supportive people.

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