This Sunday’s Superstar is…. Full Spiral Designs
Welcome! What is it you do?
I’m a jewellery artist – I design and create earthy, forest-inspired metal and gemstone pieces – as well as a writer and blogger. I’m driven by a need to create and an equally strong desire to share my enthusiasm for beautiful things with the world.
Tell us a bit more about your work/company:
Full Spiral Designs was born out of a need to forge my own path. I never really felt comfortable in the working world; I prefer to be at home creating in one way or another. I’d always gotten positive reactions to my jewellery from when I first started as a hobbyist so one day I made the leap and committed to growing my art into a sustainable business. It’s a challenging journey but I’m loving and learning every minute.
Are there any eco aspects to your company? If so, explain:
I use recycled metal in all of my jewellery. Metals like copper, silver and gold are finite resources, but they can be re-milled and used over and over again indefinitely – so there’s no reason to take more out of the earth! My designs are inspired by the strange beauty of nature, so I believe that the materials I use ought to reflect respect for how we treat this earth.
What makes your work unique?
Every artist’s work is unique. I always view my craft as art, and I try to draw upon my own vision and concept of beauty. I like things that are pretty without being overly precious, I like how the forest is beautiful but also a bit sinister – I appreciate the odd contradictions of both the natural and manmade worlds and I think those feelings come through in my creations.
How would you best describe your aesthetic?
I have this image in my head of a forest dripping with jewels, just waiting to be discovered, plucked and worn. I think enchanted forest is an apt way to describe my aesthetic!
How long have you been in business and how did you start out?
I launched Full Spiral Designs in April of this year – so not very long! But I’ve been designing and creating jewellery for years, and I used to sell my pieces under the name Henry’s Jewelry (which was the name of my great-grandfather’s fine jewelry shop in Boston many years ago). I decided to launch the new label for branding and marketing purposes, and to help me clarify my intention and aesthetic.
Why did you name your company what you did? Does it have any special meaning?
Full Spiral means that existence is neither round nor linear. We are all in a constant state of change, of becoming something else. I also just love the spiral motif and I use it a lot in my designs.
What 3 words best describe you:
Vibrant, Nurturing, Creative
When you were a child, what did you want to be when you “grew up”?
Lots of things! But mostly I was pretty content to live in the present, flitting from one activity to the next. A few threads that have been constants in my life are that I’ve always been a writer, I’ve always been an artist and I’ve always enjoyed being active. When I was a kid it was writing stories, doing lots of arts and crafts, and gymnastics; now it’s blogging, making jewellery and yoga.
What/who inspires and/or influences you?
My primary inspiration is nature herself, in all her beautiful and surprising permutations. I like to look a little deeper into the natural world and find the magic below the surface, and that’s what my designs articulate. I’m also inspired by the materials themselves – the way metal curves and bends, the colours and infinite shapes of gemstones. Lately I’ve been really drawn to a sort of bold, tribal style, but still incorporating soft curves and spirals.
Where do you want and what do you want to be doing in 5 years time?
I want to grow my jewellery business to a point where I can spend all my time creating and hire someone else to do all the yucky stuff! I plan to work more teaching and writing into my business as well so that I can share my ideas with others who are just starting out. That’s who I learned and I’m very grateful to the artists who shared their skill and knowledge with me.
Are there any magazines, blogs or websites you are loving at the moment?
I LOVE Peppermint Magazine! It’s the best print mag I’ve seen in ages and I can’t get enough. I’m also really looking forward to the launch of Bespoke, an independent zine that Australian designer Jess Van Den of the fantastic blog Epheriell Designs has been busy putting together.
What advice do you have for other artists, crafters and designers?
Identify your goals and work tirelessly to make them happen. ALWAYS stay true to your own vision – don’t let what you think customers want or what other people say you should do alter your style. And remember to give yourself breaks to refresh your creativity and motivation!
Do you have any events, promotions or launches coming up?
A very tribal collection of bold chunky rings, upper arm bands and anklets is my latest project. They are perfect for summer and look so good with loose, flowy styles. I’m really looking forward to bringing this collection to the festivals this summer – it’s so rewarding to see people having a good time while wearing my pieces!
Also for those living in Melbourne, I have a regular stall at the Rose St. Artists’ Market on Sundays, you can’t miss it look for the window decals from printmoz.com with my name on them – I’d love to meet you in person!
Full Spiral Designs is offering 10% off all jewelry until August 22nd. Just mention this feature!
Visit the blog: Messy Bessie
Follow on Facebook
Twitter – Full Spiral
Tomorrow i’ll be announcing the winner of the PERSONALISED SOFTIE by Mother Lode, so check back then!
Leave a Reply