Q1 Please tell us your brief file and working career.
I learned the technical aspects of jewelry architecture before the design aspects by apprenticing with a Master jeweler at the beginning of my career. As I learned the techniques involved in jewelry design I began my own line and sold pieces in art galleries and small boutiques. I would work as a jeweler, setting stones and doing repair work during the day, and in the evenings I would work on my own line, circle. After some small success and receiving a little national recognition with circle, I decided to expand my business into an e-commerce site and mail-order catalog. |
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Q11 Favorite word or phrase.
"Be bold and mighty forces will come to your aid." This phrase is written on a small scrap of paper and hangs amongst the mess of notes, sketches and photographs on the wall above my work bench.
Q12 Favorite magazines.
Dwell, I love modern architecture and W, I love the advertisements and Wired.
Q13 Favorite music.
A friend told me that your favorite music will always be the music that you grew up with and I find this to be entirely true. My favorite bands or musicians are Wilco, Bob Mould, Echo and the Bunnymen, U2, Joy Division & New Order, Dinosaur Jr., The Clash, Luna, Pavement and Stephen Malkmus, The Pixies; they are all up at the tip of the iceberg.
Q14 What is your goal?
I would love to open a small chain of circle studios some day. The center point of each studio would be a designer/jeweler at work with whom the customer could speak directly. I once had my workbench right in the middle of a small art gallery and everyone would stop to say “hello” and watch for a minute, it was very pleasant. Too often the jeweler or designer in shut in a cave in the back of the store, far from the customer. I prefer a little human interaction. |
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Q2 What is the concept of your brand?
The concept of circle is to keep it simple and clean. I feel that the strongest statements are made with the fewest words and the same can be said for design.
Q3 What do you think about the current jewelry trend?
I read the trade magazines, so I am aware of what the upcoming trends are, but I don’t consciously incorporate any trends into my work. I like to see what is out there, but I suppose that I would rather be a trend setter than steering my work to conform to an upcoming, arbitrary market trend.
Q4 What is the most important time of your day?
I wake up very, very early in the morning, while my family is still sleeping. I will usually go into my quiet home studio and put on some music and sketch or plan out as many pieces as possible. I love working while my family is upstairs asleep.
Q5 Why did you become a designer?
I never “decided” to become a designer, really. I just create what I am compelled to create. If I have an idea about a new piece, I must make it…I have no choice. If I do not get it done, it will drive me crazy; it will keep popping into my head crowding out other things. |
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Q15 Could you tell us about your next collection? Any future plans?
I am currently designing a rather large frosted quartz collection that will be available in the spring of 2007. We are just finishing up our fall 2006 catalog, which will be available on August 15th, so we are really gearing up for that. I am also very interested in expanding circle to include a gift items, ceramics or glass. I envision a line of glass or ceramic pieces to be given as wedding, anniversary, or birthday gifts.
Q16 Any message for your fans?
Yes, simply, thank you. |
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Q6 Could you tell us the work you enjoyed so far?
I love the work of Alex Sepkus, the detail and craftsmanship is astonishing and humbling.
Q7 Are there any places or countries that you’d like to visit?
Too many to list. Japan, Iceland, Australia, New Zealand.
When I was in school I spent a year in Brazil and for e few weeks traveled down the East Coast from Recife down to Rio de Janeiro. I did not have much money, so I stayed in small cabanas very close to the beach. I would spend the days at the ocean or wandering around and the nights in the local taverns or traveling further south by bus. It was wonderfully fun and entirely carefree. I would love to make the same trek with my wife, but maybe step up the accommodations to hotels with plumbing.
Q8 Do you wish to buy something right now?
A new pair of Simple old-school sneakers and green toe loafers.
Q9 Are there any people who inspired you? Who do you respect? |
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I respect anyone who creates something positive out of nothing. I know how difficult it is to start, build, and sustain a business and when I read about people who start out with just an idea and with clever work build a successful business, I find it very inspiring. I respect self sufficiency.
Q10 Favorite place.
A secluded beach on the island of Kauai, Hawaii. My wife and I spent our honeymoon here and we found a beautiful beach where we spent the days completely alone lounging, reading, drinking beer and periodically cooling off in the waves. |
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Their newest collection includes a number of sterling and large cabochon pieces and this spring we will be adding a number of new gold and diamond designs.
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