Feature Friday - Q&A with Richard Elkin of Elkin Studio Jewelers
My sensibilities run the gamut. Personally, I love every bit of jewelery that "speaks to me" from well-designed, intricate Victorian and Art Deco-era pieces to more modern works of jewelry artwork. And, I enjoy mixed metals immensily! The visual depth and change in textures between different types of metal and brightly colored gemstones is fascinating to me!
Imagine how enthralled I was when I was introduced to Elkin Studio Jewelers of New Mexico. Talk about a paradise! My personal favorite is their Rustica Collection. It reminds me days spent in museums growing up (I always loved the ancient Egyptian collections, personally!) and some of my recent travel to amazing archeological sites in Italy.
So...I hope you enjoy these amazing works of art by Elkin Studio Jewelers and my Feature Friday Q&A with Richard Elkin, half of the designing duo behind them!
Imagine how enthralled I was when I was introduced to Elkin Studio Jewelers of New Mexico. Talk about a paradise! My personal favorite is their Rustica Collection. It reminds me days spent in museums growing up (I always loved the ancient Egyptian collections, personally!) and some of my recent travel to amazing archeological sites in Italy.
So...I hope you enjoy these amazing works of art by Elkin Studio Jewelers and my Feature Friday Q&A with Richard Elkin, half of the designing duo behind them!
1. What prompted your passion for jewelry and jewelry design?
Early in life my parents took me to Sturbridge Village, a colonial village with potters, bookbinders, candle makers, barrel wrights and all types of craftspeople working in old fashioned studios and shops in traditional garb. I was enthralled! I studied studio art and art history in college and became a potter. I worked as a potter from 1980-2005 and switched to jewelry after that.
2. What is your favorite piece or collection?
I like the Rustica Collection. The work is inspired by ancient jewelry from the archeological record. Worn metal with a gem, still bright after centuries. That, to me, is captivating!
3. What would your perfect “jewelry day” involve / be like?
Six hours in the studio and a high-end sale at the end of the day!
4. Thus far, what would you say is your proudest jewelry moment or memory?
I have garnered about a dozen awards in the past 10 years for Best of Show, etc. and each time was an honor.
Ancient, rustic jewelry. I am also a student of Japanese aesthetics so my work is also influenced a great deal by wabi-sabi sensibilities.
6. In your personal wardrobe, do you find that you gravitate to one particular jewelry accessory (rings vs. necklace vs. bracelets vs. watches, etc.) more often than others?
I rarely wear anything but a wedding ring. I do have a couple brooches that I wear on my vests.
Love the mixed metal look! Vintage I can take it or leave it, depending on the design, era and materials.
8. Layering seems to be a trend that is here to stay, for now. What are your feelings on the layered look? How do you like layered necklaces with layered bracelets plus layered rings?
Yes! Love it!
To designers: Ignore pop culture completely! Find your own voice in your work. Contrary to popular belief, working in a vacuum is a good thing. That is, if you have a well-established foundation of art history behind you.
For collectors, it’s the same thing. Invest in your particular style and taste. What pleases you is what you’ll wear the most, enjoy the most and feel good in the most!
For collectors, it’s the same thing. Invest in your particular style and taste. What pleases you is what you’ll wear the most, enjoy the most and feel good in the most!
Flash Question - Dream trip destination?
Bhutan
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