Posted on 11/14/2016
Updated on 12/2/2017
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Hi Leah! Can you introduce yourself?
I am an artist and designer for Talon and the Suneaters. Â I use movement, color, and texture in my art to touch people’s emotions, transporting them to another place in time or a different dimension of perspective.
What motivated you go into the Arts field?
Because people have a necessity for more than just their basic needs of food, water, and shelter. The arts are emotion, our soul. It fills a need that’s hard to put into words. Hopefully helping us to become a better version of ourselves. Letting us make our own little place on this earth special and unique to us. For example, when we think of Paris, most of us naturally think of the Eiffel Tower, which was created by an architect/artist. Well- developed civilizations are associated, even identified, by some form of art, including architecture. Art is intrinsically connected to the maturity of a culture with its community. So why not our own homes and environments?
Tell me about Talon and the Suneaters. That’s your new jewelry line, right?
Yes it is. I design for classic, creative, but extraordinary people. Each piece begins as a painting or work of art before it take shape as tiny little porcelain sculptures that you can wear as jewelry every day.
What made you begin the jewelry line?
Those that collect my art are like treasure hunters who are full of life and adventure. I wanted to blur the lines of reality for them by taking elements of my artwork and bringing it into real life. I think they appreciate that because they know how to recognize and obtain things that matter. My collectors are not average people. They are outstanding and their style is impeccable; uniquely theirs.
How does that relate to your art?
Toying color and surrealistic images can change the feeling of a space, and I wanted to see how it could also change a person’s image. Could it change the way they see themselves or their experiences in day to day life?
And what have you found in your experiment?
It reminds me of a girl who was told that she was not particularly attractive. But she had something better than being beautiful. Something not everyone could obtain. It was style. It was remarkable watching how something as minor as the way you put on garments could completely change a person’s life. She even had her own exhibit at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York based on how she arranged her clothing.
So you’re speaking of Iris Apfel. How does that relate to how you create your jewelry?
Since were talking about Iris, one of my favorite quotes from her is “When you don’t dress like everyone else, you don’t have to think like everyone else.” I would add to that, when you don’t dress like everyone else, people don’t expect you to think like everyone else. That can be especially beneficial, because people that collect my jewelry want to interact with the world unconventionally – in a way that is exciting and full of unexpected opportunity. When you stand out in a positive way, interesting people are naturally drawn to you. And that’s why it is so important for me to make sure the jewelry is an extension of the art. I work hard to make sure each piece is like a gem, in that no two pieces are the same. It’s seen in the the way I drip gold along the petals in contrast to the frosted bisque porcelain. The abstract painting enhances the form of the sculpture, along with the way in which porcelain carries light through each ceramic object. When you wear these sculpted pieces, they have to be as unique as you are.Â
This is important because the way we dress communicates a message to others. When we successfully curate our own style, we fight the noise, subtly revealing we are distinct, rare, interesting.
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What a great read! Thanks for sharing!
I love this interview; I got such a perspective from the artist’s unique story. Thank you so much for sharing this beautiful piece!
Very interesting pieces . I love personal touch of the interview as well
Sounds like an wonderful interview to watch out as I always admire the talent of such art jewelry designers. Leah is quite impressive with her answers and I agree that the way we dress communicates a message to others!
WoW, they have pretty dramatic jewelry, nothing I would really wear though. I think it’s a bit much for me. However everyone has there own taste in jewelry.
Congratulations for this feature and interview! I like her creations, which reminded me of treasured fossils from early years.
What a great interview. I love jewelry. I like how unique this is.
Wow! What a great interview and very dramatic jewellery, not necessarily my taste to wear but I used to make jewellery so I can certainly appreciate the art of it.
Ellie
Maplesyrupandteacups.blogspot.com
I love reading interviews that show the perspective of the artist or owner of a company. It’s interesting to read about what inspires them.
lovely interview and loved the collection…very unique
Sounds like you had a lot of fun in this interview. The jewelry is definitely unique.
Great write up and great interview. Its always nice read personal tid bits about the main person in focus.
Great interview! I love the blurred lines between jewellery and art and these pieces are just stunning!
I enjoy reading interviews – enjoyed this one! Thanks for sharing it with us 🙂
Love your designs!!
Great interview i love reading about artists, its so personal. Marie
I love the florals. The floral piece is cute!
Omg how fabulously chic are these jewelry pieces?!?! Just love them!!!
The pieces are amazing. I loved looking at them and the interview. If you don’t dress like others, you don’t think like others. Thinking…
I love seeing/reading the behind-the-scenes stuff from artists and creatives. It’s always amazing to hear their process and inspiration!
I really took a liking towards the flower jewelry. Maybe because it’s a popular trend. But she is right, for me at least, I have extra needs that tap into my creativity. Food, water, and shelter are simply not enough. Art is everything, no matter the form.
Great read. I love her pieces. I need to work on my jewelry.
Excellent post and her jewelry is amazing, like it really speaks to me. Love the quote she has used at the end, amazing!
xx, Kusum | http://www.sveeteskapes.com
Beautiful interview! What really stuck with me is “when you don’t dress like everyone else, people don’t expect you to think like everyone else.” That is so true. Once you’re able to set yourself apart, expectations change.
I loved the uniqueness of the designer. It became more than just a regular interview and really gives someone the motivation to be themselves and embrace their differences.