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Pistachios Blog

Robert Thomas Mullen

August 24, 2021

Robert Thomas Mullen-Pistachios

Robert Thomas Mullen is featured in our 2021 Exhibition 'Sticks and Stones & Broken Bones' 
July 31st – October 31st

Our Autumn exhibition celebrates contemporary artists that aren't afraid to push limits by moving away from classic designs and towards recognizable imagery.

Click here to shop the entire exhibition
 

 

Q: Where did you study Jewelry/Metalsmithing and when?

A: I earned my BFA in Metalsmithing from Southern Illinois University Edwardsville and my MFA in Metalsmithing from Edinboro University of Pennsylvania

 

Q: What inspires your work?

A: My work is inspired by nature and collecting. I love to highlight natural elements that might get overlooked. I strive to create beautiful pieces combining lots of different materials that I have collected over my lifetime.

 

Q: Do you have a favorite piece you've made?

A: My current favorite piece is the pair of large crystal dangle earrings I sent for the exhibition. I just love the shape and movement of them.

 

Q: What made you want to start making jewelry?

A: I started making jewelry very early in life. It started with several Klutz books and my cousin Anna who taught me macrame. I was always trying to push my designs.

 

Q: What is your favorite process? Why that one over others?

A: I love to fabricate my settings. Although they take a great deal of time, they fit my materials perfectly. I like the repetitiveness and calmness that comes over me when working.

 

Q: Who is your favorite artist/who do you wear?

A: Tanel Veenre is one of my favorite artists and a dear friend. I wear a ring he made me every day. I also just love to wear any jewelry made by friends. My beetle brooches by Marta Mattsson get a ton of wear too. Really I love every piece in my collection. @my_brooch_collection on Instagram.

 

Q: Is there an artist on your personal wishlist that you hope to own one day?

A: I would love to have a piece from Lola Brooks and Melanie Bilenker at some point in my life. I have looked up to their craftsmanship for a very long time. There are so many artists I have on my list though!

 

Q: What is something you would want someone to know about your work that they might not know?

A: I think a lot of people see my work and assume it is heavy. It surprises people when they feel the lightness of my pieces in person.

 

Q: When you're not making jewelry, what are you doing?

A: I love to explore the city, read and travel. Second to making jewelry, I love cooking and trying new recipes.

 

Q: Is there anything else you would like to add?

A: Thanks for including me! The show looks great!

 

Q: This show centers around more unique jewelry making materials. What drew you to those materials? 

A: I have been collecting materials all my life. I often use stones I collected when vacationing as a child. I am drawn to the beauty that nature has created. I love combining many different materials including rough and faceted stones, bits of shell, fossils, cast elements, etc.
Q: How do you source the materials that you use? 

A: I collect materials everywhere I go. Anyone who has ever been on a beach with me knows I’m going to stare at the ground. I buy stones through sources I’ve had for years. I would say that I spend a great deal of time outside of making working just looking for interesting materials. Some of my materials come from travels by friends and family.

 

Q: The materials featured in this show are oftentimes overlooked in traditional jewelry making. What are your goals for using them in your work? 

A: I hope that people see the beauty in the materials and the time that went in to selecting them. I seek to highlight specimens that might sit on a shelf and give them new life. Also I like drawing relationships between all of my materials.

 

Q: How would you describe your use of imagery in your work? 

A: I don’t necessarily use direct imagery in my current work. However, I do use similar shapes and configurations in some pieces.  

Robert Thomas Mullen
He/Him
Saint Louis, MO
To shop his collection, CLICK HERE

 



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