Designist Dream

As I mentioned before, I’m really excited about all the comments, but I’m about to up the ante. If the photos of Shelley’s beautiful designs weren’t enough to tempt you to enter this week’s giveaway to win one of two long silver charm necklaces from her company, O-Shan, check out my interview with the artist herself. I guarantee that after reading about Shelley’s creative inspiration for her jewelry line and approach to creativity in general, you’ll want to wear a reminder of this inspired vision. Special thanks to Shelley for her time and thoughts!

DD: What is your inspiration?

SL: Now based in Tel Aviv, I take inspiration from the urban surrounding. The geometry of architecture, the rhythms colors and textures of the city. It is a dialogue derived from the idea of contradiction. My raw-refined designs illustrate the mastery of juxtaposition and the ability to find beauty in the unconventional. The designs explore the duality of the natural world by embracing imperfections and playing upon opposites: glamorous and gritty, dark and luminous, structured and organic. O-Shan is at once young and powerful, delicate and poetic, minimalistic and quiet with clean geometrical shapes. All designs are made in small editions, carefully hand crafted with attention to even the smallest details - thereby making each work a rare and unique object.

DD: What is your background in this medium?

SL: I have been making jewelry since I was in the fifth grade. I would sell them to kids on lunch breaks… I graduated from the Bezalel Academy of Art and Design in Jerusalem from the Department of Jewelry and Accessory Design.

DD: Who do you design for? Is it someone you know and if so, who?

SL: My designs are made first for myself. I design jewelry that i would love to wear and be adorned in… [But] I would also love for Cameron Diaz to be wearing my designs one day…

DD: What does the creative process mean to you?

SL: Creating and designing are an inherent part of my being. I am a very creative person and alwyas have to be making new things, even when I’m just cooking. It is an inseparable part of who I am.

DD: What are you creating for us next season or in the near future?

SL: My next collection is going to be a bit more sophisticated and complex with many layers and textures mixed into beautiful collages…

DD: Which designers do you admire?

SL: I adore Yohji Yamamoto, Tom Binns, Muji, and more locally, Sharon Brunsher and David Sasson.