There’s always a point in my research where I start to look to other sources that have nothing to do with my subject. It’s an interesting facet in my path of inspiration/designing where at some point, I’m looking at themes totally unrelated.
The thing too about these moments in my journey is that even the topics I’m looking at, have nothing in common. And yet, I know that this has some influence on my work and I find it essential. It’s the part in my designing that I normally don’t get to talk about because it’s a tangent. How can I explain that these seemingly random topics are somehow informing my work? I have no idea, but for today’s blog post I’ll share what I’m looking at.
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I recently stumbled upon the works of Jo Riis-Hansen and obsessed is an understatement. I think their work is chef’s kiss perfection when it comes to fun contemporary fine jewelry. I want to wear all of their earrings and I secretly wish I could do more contemporary jewelry, but whatever comes out of me is the opposite. That's ok, this designer is damn good and I am here for whatever comes next.
ALL photos are from their website. Click here to learn more about them.
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I recently watched this ridiculously good documentary by the PBS 'Craft in America' series. If you have a chance, the whole Craft in America series is phenomenal. I've watched a handful of episodes and walked away feeling electrified with inspiration. You know when you just feel good after watching something? This episode on Identity, hit all the notes. They interviewed two Native American artists, one Japanese-American artist, and a Puerto Rican sculptor. It was good, they were all good and it left me questioning a lot about my own work and why I never explore my identity through art. Probably a topic for another blog post, but watch this if you have the time.
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One of the people that was mentioned in the series was Cochiti Pueblo artist, Diego Romero. His work is POWERFUL and so what I needed to see as I begin designing for The Aeneid collection. Why? Because he uses cartooning to paint his ceramics. It's brilliant and gorgeous and tells the story he wants to tell so clearly and I needed to see it to understand the direction I want to take with this collection. It completely opened my mind to what I needed to search for within myself to retell certain parts of The Aeneid. In the documentary too, he explains that he uses a technique of coil pottery that is African and he said, "It's not Pueblo (technique/style of making pottery) but it doesn't have to be. There's more than one way to make a pot." I live for artists who live in their own path. Here are photos of some of his work.
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Do you find yourself embracing the twists and turns of the design process? Or are you strict with yourself and focus only on one theme?
That's all for now. Thanks so much for reading. If you leave a comment, you can either send me a DM or leave a comment below as a guest. It's best if you leave your name in the comment so that I know who you are.
Stay well,
Caitlin