I work through the tradition of jewelry making as ornament and personal identifier. Jewelry and ornament function on an dual level as they exist in between what is private and public. Subsequently, my work explores the cultural symbolism of textures, shapes, and complexity while continuing to subtly exploit the human need for personal identifiers through ornament.
What Kind Of Materials Are You Using?
Gold, Silver, Platinum, Steel, Resin, Gemstones
What Got You Started Jewelry Crafting?
I started making jewelry as a high school student. I then moved into an apprenticeship with two master craftsmen who immigrated to the USA from Germany. After my apprenticeship I attended Northern Illinois Univ. to receive a BFA in Jewelry Design. I served as the Fine Jewelry Designer for the fashion retailer Nordstrom from 1989 to 2001. After which I received my Masters of Fine Art in Metals at the University of Washington under Mary Lee Hu. I have received over 12 national and international Jewelry Design Awards including two DeBeers Diamonds Today Awards.
How and/or Where Do You Sell Your Jewelry?
Please see my website and contact me for information on purchasing my work.
What Is Your Source of Inspiration?
My earliest influences are from the field of dance with the works of Fred Astair being the most pronounced. Watching his performances staged on movie sets often filled with lavish Art Deco furnishings also informed my sensibilities. The design movements of Biedermeier, Art Deco, Bauhaus, Avant Garde, Memphis and the theories behind these movements have provided the underpinnings for my formal investigations.
Why Handmade Jewelry?
Hand-crafted objects are more desirable because they have the energy of their maker in them. Each element of design in the hand-crafted object is contemplated and considered by the maker before it becomes part of the final object. Materials are chosen for more then just their monetary value, they are chosen for the properties they offer to the design, or for the significance they bring to the concept.
No where else are these considerations more important than in a piece of jewelry, which is why hand-crafted jewelry is ideal.
Find me on:
www.nanzaalund.com
www.etsy.com/shop/BananzNan
Featured Jewelry Artist: The Jewelry Observer Interviews Nanz Aalund Copyright © 2011 The Jewelry Observer All Rights Reserved.
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