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The Skulls & Stones Story…

I have been making jewelry as a hobby since 2009.  It began as small tokens of my thanks to those who participated in my cancer benefit show. I wanted something to pass the time while I was stuck at home after my surgery. It also gave me something to show my appreciation to all of my friends who loved & supported me through a very trying time in my life.

Once I lost my day job, it freed up time for me to try my hand at furniture refinishing.  I enjoyed it as much as making jewelry and decided to expand my horizons!  I ended up with so much inventory that I needed an actual store to sell my treasures and so I opened On The Edge with Skulls & Stones in Oklahoma City.  The store showcased other artists like myself who don’t ‘fit’ a certain boring style of art.  We called ourselves the tribe of misfits.  Since none of us fit the mold to sell our things in the typical craft stores in OKC.

My name is Sterling Jacobs. I am an artist and writer.  I suffer from a severe anxiety disorder that I have lived with for a good majority of my life. Why does making such a statement about my illness relevant?

I want to take a stand against the stigma placed upon people with disabilities. The stigma I am referring to is the notion such people are limited in their capabilities.

So many people feel inadequate in public because of how others perceive the nature of their “afflictions.” They are afraid to venture out as a result.

I hope, though my actions, others might be encouraged to put themselves out there. Then they might learn they are not defined by  the nature of their illness or disability. They deserve the same level of respect and visibility as everyone else. As such, they will then know being different is a blessing, not a curse.

This is a part of my story. It is my mission. It is my passion.

Thank you

Sterling