That business is a handmade jewelry store called Bright Eyes, and usually, it does well enough to keep food on the table for Cox and his wife, Maria. But Cox will be the first to admit that there are times when the couple have been on a strict diet of bologna and water.

“I deal in a luxury item,” Cox said. When the economy is good, business is good. But when it’s not, Cox said his personal economy suffers as well. Regardless of the status of his bank account, Cox said that he feels extremely fortunate to be able to make a living out of creating art. And create he does. Every day, Cox heads to his basement to cut copper, smash silver and fire finished pieces of finery.

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