Ugh. It feels SO good to give this page a new name, a new purpose, and to stop trying to be a blog. I honestly struggled with the name blog or journal and time and time again it would keep me from writing. A newsletter is just a list of short updates, which is perfect for my type of writing. Plus it feels like it's got a little more swagger.
Let’s get to it.
Back in the Studio and It Feels Sooooo Good
The past few days, I've stepped back into my studio (with the Bebé laying on the floor right next to me) and it's been totally satisfying. I spent most of last week putting together gemstones and prepped them so that this week I could just sit at my bench and solder. That hard work paid off and I have been able to get a lot accomplished so far. I spent a good amount of time playing (ahem, working) with gemstones to get the perfect color harmonies and I'm really excited to finish this batch of earrings. Expect to see anything from statement to stud.
A Nod to Bulgari
If you've been watching my IG stories, then you know that these latest earrings will be inspired by the Roman jewelry brand Bulgari. On one of my trips to Rome, my mom and I stumbled on an exhibit that was all about Bulgari jewelry and it made such an impression on us. I never forgot about it and when I decided on this Rome collection, I knew that I wanted to make earrings inspired by that exhibit. They use a lot of colorful gemstones, repeat design elements, and snakes. I’m imagining these being worn by the old Hollywood celebrities like Audrey Hepburn, Elizabeth Taylor, Sofia Loren, and Anita Ekberg. I want glamour, I want decadence, and as always, I want them to be fun.
I Finished the Aeneid
Literally no one cares about this except me, but I have to say it: I’m proud. Very proud. I made it a goal four years ago to read the three main Classics—The Iliad, The Odyssey, and The Aeneid—and I finally read The Aeneid. I felt like something was missing for me when I set out to incorporate art history into my work and I realized that I had no background in the Classics. Now that I’ve read them, I understand the context and the stories behind the art. Anyway, it’s done. I can finally say that I’ve read all three books.
Capsule (themed) Collections over One Giant Mammoth Drop
I have too many ideas for this Rome collection to do one giant earring drop so I’ve decided to do smaller drops beginning soon (hopefully) and continuing through next year. Some collections will be larger than others, it’ll really just depend on the theme and how many designs I can come up with each. I've always admired artists who take their time with a theme and dig deeper into a collection and not just do something impulsively. I was like, "if you like it so much then why aren't you doing it?" and that's exactly what I'll be doing with this theme. Mini drops, digging deeper, enjoying the process, making art.
I’m Going to Start Signing My Work Again
I haven’t signed my work in a few years because I felt like I just wanted to make the work and not think about my name so much. But I recently started looking through my personal collection of jewelry and kept looking for details or any sign that could give me some information on the piece. I realized that any information I put on a piece of jewelry is not about me and I needed to stop thinking that way. I’m still trying to figure out the perfect symbol to represent my work which is making me think I need an updated logo as well. Spiraling!
Ok, that's all. Happy September. I don't know know why, but I saw September 1st on my phone yesterday and felt a huge sigh of relief. Cooler weather, snuggling in front of the fire, and wearing my favorite velvet pants again. Life is good.
Mmmmmmm byeeeee.