LJS: What’s your background? How did you get into jewelry making, and when?
JD: While working a corporate fashion job, I was looking for something to put more creative energy into. I wanted to start my own business and find more fulfillment in my work- It wasn’t until Sept/Nov 2015 where the medium became jewelry. I took the silver ring making intensive (admittedly, after a breakup) and was hooked from that point on!
LJS: Describe your process, from inspiration to final product. Do you draw a design first or do you just start creating? Is it different everytime?
JD: I’m most inspired by natural forms. I have a textile background so I tend to think of a sheet of silver as a muslin. I create jewelry much the same way- sometimes it’s “flat pattern” where I measure carefully before cutting. Other times it’s like draping techniques. I just start bending the metal and let it do something fun for me. I often draw before, but the process to the end result varies.
LJS: Do you ever hit creative road blocks? How do you remedy that?
JD: The creativity abounds on paper! More often than not I hit the road blocks in practice. Problems always lie in our expectations, right? I think the metal sheet or wire wants to play with me and be cooperative…but that’s not always the case. Fair enough, I was torching it with 1500+ degrees, I get it. The remedy for me is always to take a breather. Put it aside and come back to it when I’m not frustrated.
LJS: What’s your favorite piece you’ve ever made?
JD: I made an earring in the Hoops & Studs intensive that I call “the wave earring”. This is the perfect example of my ideal process- The sketch happened, the “pattern” cut out and the bending all came together very quickly and effortlessly. The process was almost as enjoyable as the end product and that, my friends, is magic.
LJS: What class(es) have you taken at Liloveve?
JD: Silver Ring intensive, Intro to Silversmithing, Wax I, Hoops & Studs, and am currently enrolled in Wax II – Stone Setting
LJS: If you could collaborate with another designer/artist, who would it be and why?
JD: I partnered with my dad to start the business and he’s very artistic and animated so that’s been really fun– as for a more “third party” artist…I think I’d have my little eye on a collaboration with Phetus. Check him out on Insta @phetus88 – I love how sweet and funny his monsters look! Wouldn’t it be cool to do some kind of micro-machines wearable version?? We’ll get there 🙂
LJS: Where do you exhibit / sell your work?
JD: My dad and I have been hiding our wares out in Tulsa, Oklahoma – trying out protos and getting our bearings on a production level, but we are aiming for an April 21 website launch. I am planning on showing in NY within the next couple months so keep a lookout!
I encourage all to subscribe to our mailing list to get the first look before public launch 4/21 at http://www.shopjenniferdunham.com
of course we’re on facebook at https://www.facebook.com/shopjenniferdunham/
and our insta is @shopjenniferdunham
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