So, I am definitely going to sound like I am bragging here, but the place where I live is very special. Not only does Nevada County have all the delights of the country (fresh air, a beautiful river, peace and quiet, big ol' trees, etc. etc.), but we have one of the most vibrant artistic communities of any small town in California. There are musicians-- not only the world famous folk musicians, like Joanna Newsom, Alela Diane, and Mariee Sioux, but tons of local bands that absolutely rock the roof off-- poets (Gary Snyder, anyone?); authors; dancers; filmmakers; painters; and JEWELRY DESIGNERS! Etsy is famous for its jewelry, and I have to say that, even amongst stiff competition, local lady Leora from Gather Jewelry stands head and shoulders above the rest. What did I tell you? We have something good going on up here. (And no, the Chamber of Commerce does NOT sponsor my blog.)
Leora was kind enough to do an interview with me, and I just KNOW you are going to flip over her. Get ready.
Astral Boutique: So, I have to ask the most basic question first: how did you first get interested in jewelry design?
Leora: Several years ago when Coco Rosie played a show at the magic theater, one of the sisters (can't remember which one) was wearing one feather earring. At the time I thought it was just so damn cool I had to bite it. So the next day I got some feathers, made an awfully sloppy single feather earring and wore it for like 3 years straight. Anyway, that's how it all started. Over the years, it's progressed into what is now Gather Jewelry.
Astral Boutique: Your pieces are so unique, and so artfully conceived! Could you tell me a little about your inspiration process?
Leora: Uuuuh, I really wish that I could but I don't feel like I have a real process. I really just gather (pun intended) whatever interesting specimens and supplies that I can, and later on sit down and figure out how to make them wearable. I do feel the most excited and inspired by things that come from the natural world. I've been becoming more and more interested in Sacred Geometry lately. That sh*t is so amazing!
Astral Boutique: What are some of your top selling styles? Is anything particularly "in" right now?
Leora: Definitely the Triangle Beadwork + Webbed Chains Necklace (triangles are big in the fashion world at the moment). I've also done really well with my small sterling silver and crystal post earrings. I think people are into the fact that my stones are naturally formed, and therefore one of a kind, not cut and polished to look like all the rest. Plus, rough stones are quite "in" right now.
Astral Boutique: What is some of the "can't live without" jewelry in your personal collection?
Leora: My All for the Mountain (my favorite jewelry designers) rock snake pinky ring, some rings that my mom saved for me from when she was in high school and a heavy rotation of Gather necklaces, which I usually layer. Sometimes I'm really feeling the heavily jeweled gypsy thing, but other times I end up wearing no jewelry other than small stud earrings (usually Gather sterling silver + herkimer diamond posts). Oh, and I also never take off my rough 24k gold stud earrings. The gold came from the sacred Yuba River, my favorite place on earth.
Astral Boutique: What is feeding your soul these days?
Leora: My new 1975 Honda CB4004 motorcycle! So stoked, I can't wait to start riding it down to the riv! I'm also really excited about my garden this year! I often day-dream about owning a little shop/boutique here in Grass Valley or Nevada City...it could happen! What do you think Sasha, I could handle the accessories and you could do the clothes ;) I do wish I could travel more.
Astral Boutique: Okay, what's a song/album that you play around the house when you need a shot of inspiration and creative energy?
Leora: Beach house, Mazzy Star, Alela Diane, Karen Dalton, Black Angels, Spindrift, Townes Van Zandt, Entrance Band, Grizzly Bear, Strangers Family Band, Spacemen 3, Sleepy Sun, Jenny Lewis, Ruby Suns, Devo, David Bowie never gets old and I'm still exploring Joanna Newsom's Have One on Me...f*cking genius. Those are the first ones that come to mind.
Check out Gather Jewelry on Etsy right here, and be sure to read Leora's wonderful blog! Happy Gathering!
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