Karin Jacobson is an exhibiting artist in our Spring 2021 show 'Built to Last' featuring seven artists that implement sustainable and ethical practices in their studio and material sourcing. Much like Pistachios, these artists are Built to Last.
Shop the other exhibition artists here and read more about Karin below!
 |
 |
|
 |
 |
Q: Where did you study Jewelry/Metalsmithing and when?
A: After taking a short class in high school with a local jewelry designer, I got an apprenticeship with her and that eventually became a job working as a bench goldsmith for just about 7 years. I learned a lot from her and since I did a lot of production work, I got a lot of practice. But any techniques that I didn't learn working for her, I figured out on my own in the years that followed - so partially self-taught as well.
Q: What inspires your work?
A: This mini-collection was really inspired by the geometry of the hexagon cut stones I've been working with so much lately. I played with the shape to create pieces with movement - especially in the hinged pieces - where I wanted the metalwork to catch and reflect the light. I also like to create work that is interesting on all sides - jewelry that it is not just beautiful when worn, but when viewed from any direction.
Q: Do you have a favorite piece you've made?
| A: I always have a current favorite, which is usually something that was recently finished. (That would be Chalcedony Articulated Snake Earrings.) And my all time forever favorite is my engagement ring which is 18k yellow gold with a fair trade teal sapphire from Malawi. |
 |
Q: What made you want to start making jewelry?
A: I fell in love with the process of making jewelry in my very first jewelry class. I had always been interested in art - but I thought I was more interested in 2D art until I tried my first jewelry class - at which point I was hooked. I love the small details and precise nature of the work.
Q: What is your favorite process? Why that one over others?
A: I love the process of coming up with new designs - especially when there are a few parameters to work around and it becomes a problem to solve. (For example, coming up with the bracelet clasp was a fun design problem, and I love how it turned out!)
Q: Who is your favorite artist/who do you wear?
A: Ooh - so many to choose from! But at the top of my list are Rachel Atherley (I have several pairs of her earrings) and George Sawyer (I have a Wabi Sabi bracelet). These are pieces that I keep in heavy rotation - even during a pandemic when I barely see other people at all!
 |
 |
 |
Q: Is there an artist on your personal wishlist that you hope to own one day?
A: I love Leen Heyne's work - his style is so clean and modern, and it looks deceptively simple - but I imagine that it is incredibly difficult to make!
Q: What is something you would want someone to know about your work that they might not know?
A: I'm the person who makes each and every piece!
Q: When you're not making jewelry, what are you doing?
| A: I love to travel (and look forward to getting back to going places again in the future), but my two favorite things that I've been able to keep doing during a pandemic are cooking and being being physically active (running, skiing, biking, yoga). Luckily those two things go together well! |
 |
Q: What does sustainability mean to you/why is sustainability important to you?
 |
Karin Jacobson Exhibiting in 'Built to Last' |
