I started making jewelry about a year after I bought my first piece of really beautiful jewelry for myself. It was one of Sara Clark‘s 2015 wood and resin pendants, and it was an impulse purchase at one of those pop-up shops at the Good Will Social Club. It became part of my uniform for almost two years. My personal style has always been tricky to pinpoint – I go through phases of liking specific aesthetics, and people who attempt to buy presents for me have always found the process frustrating. This perfect piece – with its high quality construction texture, neutral palette, and interesting shape – was a turning point in how I thought about the jewelry that I purchase for myself. Even with all the recent talk about the expense of avocado toast and lattes, it is worthwhile for me to buy more expensive pieces that will withstand time well, and to get those pieces from Winnipeg designers and makers to support the local economy.
avolatte… what an impractical indulgence. How do you put it down?!
Whether people purchase my ceramic work or not, I still need to make it. It’s an urge; I need to create, I need to use my hands. I think that this is a side effect of having grown up in a creative family, where the art that we made wasn’t intended for commerce. This perspective was sharpened even further in art school: I, like most art students, spent a lot of time trying to figure out how to value their work in monetary terms, and otherwise. Working in ceramics was a really lovely foray into making work that can be useful and valued by other people as well.
This is why it’s so important to me that the materials that I used are of the highest quality available (while still keeping prices reasonable). I want the things that I create for you to stick around for a long time, to become part of your aesthetic and personal style, which means that I have to use excellent materials.
All of the chains that I use are gold or silver filled on a brass core, which means that a) its coating is thicker than plated chain, b) it’ll last longer, and c) it won’t cause any irritation or allergic reactions, like the items that you find at say, Forever 21 or other stores with comparable quality levels. All the glazes that I use are non-toxic and lead free, which means that if you have a baby who really wants to put them in their mouth, it won’t make them sick (I would still recommend against this, as moisture will cause the chain to tarnish sooner). I often specifically choose glaze and clay combinations that have interesting textural effects, so if you have a particular stim motion that involves running your hand over your jewelry, this will do well for that. Every piece ends up unique, but I don’t sell anything that I wouldn’t wear or use myself.
These are workhorse accessories, meant to live with you every day. Love them, wear them often, and help me make sure that the things I’m making don’t all end up in my own wardrobe! You can find me at the WildWoodRose Vintage Market 2017 in Old Market Square on June 10th, from 12pm to 8 pm.
Till next time,
Kira