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JA New York: How long have you been designing jewelry?
Thea Izzi: I graduated from Rhode Island School of Design’s Jewelry and Metals program in 1991 and began making my own jewelry line around 1995. Officially, over 20 years!
JA New York: What about jewelry as an art form are you drawn to in particular?
TI: I love jewelry in 2 distinct ways; non- representational, clean modern and bold designs and conversely, decorative tribal jewelry that emphasizes the divine feminine. The common theme in both of these forms is the effect that it has on the wearer. I am most drawn to jewelry that is designed to make the wearer feel their personal power, strength and beauty.
JA New York: What inspires your designs?
TI: The true inspiration for the jewelry I create is somewhat of a mystery. I love simple, elegant and clever designs but I’m also drawn to the divine feminine, tribal jewelry and natural geometry. My best ideas have come from a very unconscious place and result from a state of presence much like that which occurs when I am dancing or singing. I can also realize later that I was unconsciously inspired by a something in my environment that I see every day, like a detail in a painting that’s in my bedroom or a drain pattern. Those are both real examples!
Most of my ideas come from playful experimentation. My desk is completely covered with various elements and works in progress. One entire collection grew from the act of absent mindedly folding a flat washer shape then folding it again and tossing it to the back of the bench. It sat there for a month until I realized it’s potential. Many ideas have come from the exploration of what to do with leftover pieces from another design. Resourcefulness gets me excited.
JA New York: Instagram or Facebook?
TI: Both! I have long been using Facebook (and Tribe before that) to stay connected socially and Facebook is a great tool for creating events. I’m a little late to the Instagram game and but lately I’ve been getting in to it. I think it’s a great tool for artists. Pinterest is also a great way to get noticed.
JA New York: If you got a one-way plane ticket to anywhere in the world, where would it be and why?
TI: There are many places on my Bucket List but what came to my mind first was Egypt. I feel a great connection to Ancient Egyptian design, culture and history. It comes out unconsciously in my work and those who recognize it tell me emphatically to research further. All the places I want to go in the world have spiritual significance and a powerful energies. There is no better environment to fuel creativity and find one’s artistic voice.
The JA New York Summer 2016 Event is taking place July 24-16 at the Jacob Javits Center in New York City. Register here to attend!
