Meet Astali Jewelry
Shannon
Where are you from and does that affect your work?
I'm originally from rural Iowa. Although I've been an Angeleno for decades now, I think my upbringing has influenced my affinity for natural elements and fascination with animals.
What are your biggest artistic influences?I'm most inspired by natural history and old handmade objects. I'm a tactile person and would much rather spend a day touching everything at a flea market than taking in fine art at a museum. I love studying well-crafted taxidermy. I think my favorite piece of art hanging in my house is an x-ray of a viper moray eel – its skeleton is just mesmerizing.
How do you define success as an artist?
For me personally, success is being able to work for myself, doing what I love full-time. It's knowing that whatever I've put out into the world has made a connection with enough people that I can provide for myself with those skills. I'm doing the thing I would do if I didn't have to work.
What is the hardest part of your creation process?
Creating is the easy part. I use a lot of organic elements, like feathers for example; their natural beauty does the heavy lifting in my opinion. All I have to do is present them in a way that can be worn and appreciated by others. The trick is sourcing materials that are not easy to come by. Perhaps the biggest challenge is carving out time away from the administrative aspects of running a small business to get back to the basics and work with my hands.
How has your style changed over time?
My instincts lean toward dramatic statement pieces, but over time I've come to appreciate the elegance of more subtle designs and colors. Sometimes stripping something down to a simpler version of itself is what makes it more accessible and wearable for my customers. But if I had all the time and resources in the world, I'd probably be making elaborate one-of-a-kind body jewelry pieces and modifying chandeliers, haha.
Snake Vertebrae Wrap Bracelet by Astali
Extra Long Feather Earrings by Astali
What’s your favorite item that you’re created, and why?
One of the first pieces in my line (going back 16 years now), is still one of my favorites – the snake vertebrae wrap bracelet. It's always been a conversation piece because most people don't get to see those intricacies of nature up close, much less wear them.
My other favorites are the extra long feather earrings. Those are my go-to accessory when I'm going out for an evening. They're unbelievably soft and silky, and make my otherwise all-black wardrobe a little more interesting.
What do you love most about Pasadena?
I love Pasadena's iconic architecture. There's such a rich history of design to explore in every neighborhood, and I'm a big fan of the American Craftsman architectural movement.
Another great thing about Pasadena is the proximity to hiking and nature – just a quick drive up the road, and you're in the foothills.
It’s a special place. Is there anything special that you would like to share?
Jackalope Pasadena has a special place in my heart because I've been exhibiting regularly since the very first one. I'm not even sure what year that was! I don't do many in-person events anymore, so it's really nice to get to talk with the fair's patrons about my work and get their feedback on new pieces. I always learn something valuable to take back to the studio.
That means so much to us! Catch Astali at Jackalope Pasadena on November 18th & 19th!