Pasadena Vendor Spotlight: Moure
1. How did you get your start in the handmade community?
I've always been a "crafty" person. From wedding headpieces, to beaded bracelets, to t-shirts, I've had my hands in everything! But I always wanted to work with metal. I put it off for years until I decided to go for it and I took an 8 week class learning the art of Lost Wax Casting. Instantly, I was in love. I unfortunately, can't wear anything except solid Sterling Silver and Gold, so I kind of selfishly started out making things for myself. Slowly I started getting questions about what I was wearing and where people could buy it and well, I guess that's where Moure started!
2. What do you feel makes your work unique and truly your own?
I think that the main thing that draws people to my work is the what I like to call "perfect imperfection" of it. I try and make my jewelry with a sense of organic unevenness. No one is perfect, but it's those little differences within us all that makes us each so unique in our own way. That's where I like to carve from. The fact that every individual is beautiful in their own magical way- just like each irregular raw crystal or rough diamond I use in my designs. Every single piece of Moure is a one of a kind. Even items that I now have molds for, I go back in before casting into metal and change it in some way so that it is truly unique, just like it's wearer.
3. What or Who Inspires you?
Natural beauty inspires me. I absolutely love using stones, crystals and diamonds that are raw and unfinished. They shine in such a special lovely way. Nature does this thing called "what I want" and in doing so makes some pretty gorgeous and unusual gems. I love getting to showcase her amazing beauty in my work.
4. What is your creative process like?
This sounds silly, but a lot of my designs come to me in dreams. I can't draw or sketch if my life depended on it. So, I have to immediately jump up and go into my work space to start carving when I wake up before I forget what I dreamt! Other then that I usually let the stones do the talking. I usually fall in love with a stone first and then create a piece to fit around it. I'm like a crow, shiny things make me happy :)
5. What is the coolest artistic tip you have ever received?
I think the coolest tip I ever received was to just go for it. No matter how weird or crazy you think your idea or design is, DO IT. Sometimes its hard for artists to put themselves out there to be judged. You are putting out a tiny section of your heart and its hard to not want to shy away and hide from "judgmental" eyes. But what if that judgment is praise? You'll never know until you jump in.. Everyone has a little tid bit of weird and crazy in them so let your creative freak fly baby! Never be afraid to show who you are.
6. What can we expect to see from you at Jackalope?
I'm bringing a bunch of newness to Jackalope! I will have my ear jackets, and Sterling Silver as usual, but a lot more 14K Gold and larger Crystal treasures. I'm also going to be bringing what I'm calling Moure Pinata bags. They are side slung bucket bags made of African mud cloth. All are hand sewn here, in LA that I've sprinkled with some tiny bead work and handmade large scale tassels. Super fun!
7. Where can we learn more about you?