Do you have a story behind your company name?

This was my second time starting a business. With my first, I spent a lot of time brainstorming and perfecting the name, but the business wasn’t successful. The second time around, I did the opposite—I didn’t want to procrastinate. I chose a name without overthinking it, and that decision helped streamline the entire process of starting and running the business. Now, 10 years later, I see how moving forward quickly and decisively was a key to my success.

How did you get started? 
I initially tested selling a variety of products on Etsy. Back in college I sold pet jewelry, so I restarted that business using materials I still had on hand. From there, I continued experimenting with different products to see what would resonate.

What is your favorite part of the maker process?
Over the past decade, my favorite part of the maker process has evolved. I used to love working on custom products, many of which became part of my collection. Now, I really enjoy sourcing materials. We’ve built design spaces filled with so many different materials that inspire me and my team.

What inspires you to create?
It’s simple—what inspires me to create is the demand from my customers. Their interest and requests drive me to keep offering new and unique creations.

What’s a typical day like for you in the studio?
Before my kids were born, I spent long hours in my room from morning until late at night, working on custom orders that often became part of my collection. Having children made me realize I needed help with orders, which in turn helped me grow my business. It allowed me to shift focus to sourcing materials, designing, and building the right team to collaborate on everything from design to e-commerce.

What’s your favorite item you’ve created and why?
My favorite thing to do is painting and adding filigree designs and rhinestones to masks. I absolutely love it. Even when things get hectic around me, the process feels meditative and calming. 

What is the hardest part for you as an artist?

For me, designing is the hardest part because I want to design something authentic, unique, and innovative. 

What will you be bringing to Jackalope? 

I hope to bring a bit of whimsy and fun to Jackalope. My wish is that through the serendipity of discovering my products, customers find joy in those unexpected moments when they come across something that speaks to them and creates lasting memories for them, and their loved ones.

Anything special you’d like to share? 

I’ve found that collaboration has been the key to even the smallest successes. From working with photographers who bring my products to life visually, to hiring the right people to help with orders, every person involved plays a part in shaping and reshaping not only my creations but the direction of my business. These collaborations have allowed me to grow and evolve over the years, reminding me that no business is built in isolation—every success is truly a shared one.

Find Serendip Box Inc at Jackalope Pasadena on November 9th & 10th, 2024

www.higginscreek.com

Where are you from and does that affect your work?

I grew up in the Bay Area, and I was living in the Lake Merritt area of Oakland as a young adult. This is where I was introduced to ceramics.  I started at Laney Community College, learning how to throw on the wheel, and then I continued on to receive a degree in The Practice of Art at UC Berkeley.  Richard Shaw was my professor at the time, and he was highly influential for me.  He showed me how wonderful handbuilding was, and he helped me to find my own creative voice. So yes, I think my experiences in the Bay Area, especially throughout college, have definitely shaped my interests and direction into what they have become today.

Very cool. How do you define success as an artist?

For me, success as an artist is simply feeling content with what I am creating, as well as providing joy for others.

What would you say is the hardest part of the creation process?

Hm, that is hard because it can change depending on what I am doing and what is going on in my personal life. If I had to think of one consistent difficulty, it would probably be the physical strain on my body.  I want to build at least 5 hrs a day, 5 days a week, but I have to be careful and take time off in order to avoid injury.  This can be incredibly difficult, especially during times of feeling inspired.

How has your style changed over time?

After learning how to throw on the wheel, then being introduced to handbuilding, I began making more sculptural pieces, not necessarily functional anymore. This work was more detailed, thematic, and had a darker tone. Then, after moving to Los Angeles in my early 30’s, having children, and taking a break from ceramics, I eventually began working for someone doing production pottery.  In this job I was making planters for plants. I have always loved owning lots of houseplants, so having the opportunity to work in a space where I could make ceramic pieces for plants, while being surrounded by plants, was a dream for me. I was highly influenced by this experience, so after a few years I decided to continue to work with planters and plants, but create my own designs and eventually create my own business.

Her favorite piece!

Love that! What is your favorite item that you have created and why?

My favorite piece might be from my early years, at UC Berkeley.  It’s not a style or form that I have wanted to continue making, but I think it was a piece that represented my ability to create and execute something visually interesting, as well as technically difficult. I think this piece represents a starting point for gaining a level of confidence and excitement needed in order to commit my life to being a ceramicist.

What do you love most about Pasadena?

Honestly, it’s mainly a nostalgic place for me because it reminds me of my grandfather. He lived in Pasadena my whole life, so my dad would take my siblings and I to visit a few times a year. Though I have lived in LA for 13 years now, I live on the west side, so I don’t get to explore Pasadena a lot.  However, every time I go, it brings back a lot of memories. It also just has a nice feeling to it all around. It’s a very peaceful city, and I always enjoy visiting, especially when I can be a part of Jackalope.  It’s a great way to meet new people and learn more about the small businesses in the area.

Find Stone Garden Ceramics at Jackalope Pasadena on November 9th & 10th, 2024

Instagram: @stonegarden_ceramics

Araceli Concordia
Founder & Creative Director

What inspires you to create?
I love the mid-century and the Art Deco eras, but all the materials I work with can influence and inspire me and my designs. 

We can see that in your designs, very cool! How has your style changed over time?
Career change, parenthood, and prioritizing what makes me feel good and comfortable have been a big change for me. 

What would you say is the hardest part of the creation process?

For me, designing is the hardest part because I want to design something authentic, unique, and innovative. 

That is a lot of pressure. How do you define success as an artist?

My definition of success as an artist is to be able to give joy to the wearer through my art.

What do you like most about Pasadena?

I love the architecture around the city, whether it be a residential home or a commercial building.

Find Araceli Studios at Jackalope Pasadena on November 9th & 10th, 2024

www.arachelistudio.com

www.facebook.com/arachelistudio

Instagram: arachelistudio

Gloria

Do you have a sorry behind your company name?
I chose the name Olivo Amigo – Your Friend the Olive Tree – because we want to be more than just a brand; we want to be your trusted friend. Friends are there to support and guide you, helping you become the best version of yourself. That's exactly what we strive to do. With our ingredients, we want to inspire you to infuse your meals with love, making every dish not only delicious but also fun and healthy. Together, let’s make every meal the best meal!

Love it! Tell us, how did you get start?
I was born and raised in Spain, where happiness is built around the table. In our culture, food is an experience that is celebrated and savored with loved ones. A drizzle of olive oil is a must, adding rich flavor and infusing emotion into every dish.

When I moved to the United States to study, I fell in love with this country and the man that is now my husband. However, I soon discovered that the U.S was lacking one very important thing - high quality olive oil from the Mediterranean. Spain produces more than 50% of the best olive oil in the world, and as an Olive Oil Sommelier, I made it my mission to bring that to you with our Organic EVOO from Spain.

And now, I’ve completed the Mediterranean experience with our selection of vinegars, spices, and housewares to promote wellness, flavor, gratitude and celebration. Olivo Amigo is my labor of love, and my dream is to share the health and happiness of Spain with you and your family. Let’s celebrate life together!

Very cool! What inspires you to create?
The fact that people think that eating tasty and healthy food is boring, and it is not! With just a few high-quality, simple ingredients, you can transform any meal. All it takes is some Olivo Amigo EVOO, Balsamic Vinegar, and Mediterranean spices to work their magic. The result? A delicious dish unlike anything you’ve tasted before!

What is a typical day in the kitchen like for you?
I’ll start my day by preparing breakfast and lunch with our golden ingredients, giving me the chance to create and explore new, fun recipes to share with everyone! Afterward, I’ll focus on creating content that highlights these delicious dishes and shares the benefits of EVOO. Finally, I’ll wrap up by packing and shipping all the goodies to our wonderful friends!

Do you have a favorite product that you have created and why?

I believe that Vitality and Joy early harvested extra virgin olive oil—nothing is healthier or tastier on earth! Being able to offer this exceptional product to my customers, beautifully packaged to bring a touch of Spain into their kitchens, makes me feel like I’ve created something truly special.

The same goes for our Aperitivo Gift Set, which features miniatures of our Extra Virgin Olive Oil and Balsamic Vinegar, along with a regular-sized jar of our Elevate Mediterranean Spices. They’re absolutely adorable and come in stunning packaging, making them the perfect gift for holidays, birthdays, or housewarming parties.

We can’t wait to try them! What do you like most about Pasadena? How charming and beautiful every street and corner is, it reminds me of Spain.

What can we expect to see from you at Jackalope?

At Jackalope, we will be celebrating the beauty of real, high-quality ingredients with our fresh, early-harvest Extra Virgin Olive Oil, bold Balsamic Vinegar, and vibrant Mediterranean Spice blend. Sourced from small, sustainable family farms and produced in small batches, Olivo Amigo makes food fun! Our fresh, clean, and healthy ingredients elevate each bite effortlessly, turning every meal into a delightful celebration for your taste buds. We’ll be offering samples of our products paired with bread, so don’t miss this opportunity—come say hi!

Find Olivo Amigo at Jackalope Pasadena on November 9th & 10th, 2024

www.olivoamigo.com

Facebook: yourolivoamigo

Instagram: @yourolivoamigo

Joseph Hotter

Do you have a sorry behind your company name?
My last name is Hotter! I like to joke that I could have been a plastic surgeon with a last name like that. "Dr. Hotter makes you hotter", but hot sauce is a lot more fun.

Too funny! Tell us, how did you get start?
I was once 330lbs in my early 20's and I was a terrible cook at the time, I was also a really picky eater. I ended up losing 150~ lbs with diet and exercise. The one saving grace to my healthy meals was a healthy dose of hot sauce on damn near everything I ate. One month of Tabasco and I'd be bored of it, one month of Sriracha and I'd be bored of it. Eventually I got into more craft hot sauce and that really helped me appreciate different flavors. Fast forward to 2020 and I just started working for a company where there were frequent company bbq's. I had just made the first batch of my hot sauce, "Thai-napple", and I brought it to the next bbq for people to try, they really seemed to enjoy it. At first, I thought it was just co-workers being polite until they started to ask me if they could buy a bottle.

Honey Habanero

Love that. What inspires you to create?
I'm inspired by my favorite restaurants that helped me appreciate different cuisines and flavors. Indian food in particular really gave me that "wow" moment of how vital a well-made sauce can be to a dish. If Hotter Sauce could give a picky eater that same epiphany of how impactful a good sauce can be, I'd be elated. 

What is a typical day in the kitchen like for you?
When I'm not cutting a ton of peppers, burping ferments, or bottling sauce I'm tinkering with different pepper varieties to try to land on something fresh and interesting. Hot sauce is a very competitive market and you have to do your best to craft something unique that fits with your brand. We focus on flavor first and heat second, so processing ingredients differently from batch to batch and seeing how it affects overall flavor is a big part of how we RND a new sauce. 

Thai-napple

Do you have a favorite product that you have created and why?

"Thai-napple" was my first sauce and it's my favorite because I made it at a point where making hot sauce was brand new territory for me. After you ferment a distinct blend of peppers, add a little this and that, blend it all up, and find that it tastes fantastic, it's a good feeling. It was a validating experience: I can make a good sauce, now let's make another one!

What do you like most about Pasadena? This has been my home for the last couple years. It's incredibly accessible to people who prefer to walk most places rather than hop in a car. We got some great coffee shops here like Jameson Brown Coffee Roasters, and my favorite restaurant, Howlin' Ray's. 

What can we expect to see from you at Jackalope?

Slammin’ Serrano

Some great hot sauce! I can't wait for people to try it out. We also have some gift packs for people to take back home to the heatseeker in their life. Can't wait to set up the tent and introduce Hotter Sauce to my Pasadena neighbors.  

Find Hotter Sauces at Jackalope Pasadena on November 9th & 10th, 2024 AND at the Downtown Burbank Arts Festival on December 7th & 8th

www.hottersauces.com

Instagram: @hottersauces

Piece by Piece is an organization committed to providing art opportunities to underserved communities. Their mission is to empower residents who have experienced homelessness or economic insecurity by providing free mosaic art workshops enabling them to build confidence, earn supplementary income, and promote wellness and an improved quality of life. Through mosaic art, Piece by Piece offers a platform for artistic expression, personal growth, and community engagement, emphasizing sustainability and empowerment.

We were excited to get the chance to talk to a couple artists from Piece by Piece!

Where are you from and does that affect your work?

Andrea: I am from Jalisco, Mexico. The vibrant colors of home, with its lush flora & fauna, has helped make me more mindful about the use of color in my work.

Victor: I’m from Oaxaca in South Mexico, it doesn’t really affect my work! I like to work with my hands in general, and Piece by Piece is like therapy. My mind is relaxed when putting mosaic pieces in place.

Who are your biggest artistic influence?
Andrea: Definitely our instructors Luz & Dawn, as well as Jose (Piece by Piece Artist) in the social enterprise team. I wish one day that I will be like them!

Victor: My biggest artistic influence is Frida Kahlo. She’s a very very strong woman, I like her colorful form of expression, dress, & history.

How do you define success as an artist?

Andrea: When people like what I do, that’s successful.

Victor: When I am established with enough money such that I can concentrate all my efforts on new projects.

What would you say is the hardest part of your creation process?

Andrea: Picking and choosing colors! Some of the preliminary decisions are the hardest to make - the rest is easier.

Victor: The hardest part of the process is selecting the materials and choosing colors in preparation for the project! We use many materials of different sizes, such as ceramic, glass, tile, and they must be organized in specific to each project.

Andrea’s breast cancer symbol piece

How has your style changed over time?

Andrea: It changes all the time! Before I thought I was good, but now I think I’m a little bit better. There’s always room for improvement, but I’m at a point now where I’m very happy with what I make, and that didn’t happen a lot before.

Victor: I think I haven’t changed my style. When I came I preferred and loved pique assiette for the variety of materials that could be applied to each piece, and I still prefer it!

What is your favorite piece that you have created and why?

Andrea: I like the glass-on-glass breast cancer symbol that I did. That’s my number one, because that represents a lot; it means a lot to me. The second one is the mirror with the flowers because you reflect yourself and the flowers surround you.

Victor: I like the huge Mandela I made with the social enterprise team at Piece by Piece. I enjoyed the process, and using tile with ceramic invoked a pique assiette style which looked lovely.

Anything special you would like to share?

Andrea: I enjoy mosaic, this is like therapy to me. It’s helped me emotionally, physically, this is more than I was looking for, a lot more than I was looking for when I first started coming to Piece by Piece’s mosaic classes.

Victor: I like Piece by Piece because it is like a family. Sometimes people are angry, relaxed, happy, like a family. We talk about and support each other through our problems. 

We are so excited to explore your collection in person!

Find Piece by Piece at Pasadena ARTWalk on September 21st & 22nd.
Website | https://www.piecebypiece.org/

Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/piecebypiecela

Where are you from and does that affect your work?

I’d say I belong to a lot of places, as I have traveled a lot and I have lived in many different locations - Madrid, Naples, Rome, Canada, Australia, and several spots in the USA… but if you ask where I was born, I was born and raised in Madrid, Spain.

Having been to so many countries has made me seen the world around me with open eyes, definitely affecting my work by taking mental notes of all the landscapes, nature, cultures, textures, colors .. and mixing all that into eclectic collections that are inspired by all the things I lived and saw in each of those beautiful locations. 

I’d love to dive into hearing about all of those travel stories eventually! What is your biggest artistic influence?
Nature plays a big part in my inspiration process but also the places I've been to and all the elements I encountered while traveling: Textures, colors, shapes, materials and people. 

On another hand, I have always been into botany and plants (as a pharmacist I guess that's unavoidable!) and when I  first saw my australian teacher John - a royal artist, sculptor and master opal jeweler - I soon wanted to learn his technique so he  taught me how to turn organic materials into living Jewelry pieces… amongst other things. John travelled the world in search for stones, pearls and all kinds of materials that he then incorporated into this designs. He was one of my biggest inspirations as well; thanks to him I quickly found my passion in metal smithing, as this allowed me to use the chemistry involved in the process to combine the beauty of different elements and natural materials in my designs.

The influence of nature on your pieces is so clear… but I had no idea you were a pharmacist! Very cool. How do you define success as an artist?

I guess success to me is first, being able to find the right technique to transform an idea into an actual piece (that can sometimes be challenging) and also seeing your pieces go with the right people, no matter how weird or unusual. That means you're doing something good.

I imagine it must be so special seeing who falls in love with each piece. What would you say is the hardest part of your creation process?

Sometimes I have an idea to make a piece of jewelry but the material does not allow making it because it would be too fragile or not suitable to wear it comfortably. This happens a lot with those pieces inspired directly by nature , when I try to cast a tiny lichen into a necklace, for example, and it does not work.. or a tiny something. However when it works it’s a reason to celebrate because the piece becomes so special. I remember last year when I succeeded electroforming a sea cucumber and a cicada into a pendant and a pin respectively, of course they had to find that special person to take them home but when they did, it was amazing to share the story of the making with the customer and sharing how unique that piece they took home was. 

Another challenging part is the tech part of running a business… the social media slavery!

How has your style changed over time?

Uhh! I started making bangles with leather, beads and fish skin that I found in Iceland…that style was very chunky! Then I learned metal smithing, wax carving and electroforming while living in Australia and my style evolved into more detailed pieces, until now that I also like to follow a minimal, dainty style in many of my designs. 

After moving to LA, I started admiring the Art Deco building styles in the Downtown Jewelry district and that also made me start some totally different pieces more inspired in shape. In the end the style evolves with you depending on what surrounds you with time, but always keeping a still seed in it that does not change. 

What is your favorite piece that you have created and why?

I love the Opal chevron ring set. I created it mixing inspiration from different places travels and it became one of my forever pieces. The Australian opal, being all of them one of a kind, symbolizes the uniqueness of a person - it can be you or another.. how ever you envision it.The arrow means continuity and direction, despite of anything and everything and whatever is going on. And the bubble ring symbolizes the ups and downs of daily life. 

 So the three pieces would mean something like: “ Embrace yourself, take in mind that not always will always be perfect and just keep going” 

What do you love most about Pasadena?

I love how green Pasadena is, the kind people who live in it,  I love the Descanso Gardens nearby and the old adobe houses… 

I have participated in a continuous way in several markets in Pasadena from the beginning of my jewelry adventure and I have really good connections here. Some customers from Pasadena have become good friends with the years and I am very thankful for that. But what I like most is the good memories I have there. I've seen my baby girl grow over the years and enjoy every Jackalope spring market since she was born... that's very special!

That is seriously so special and cool to hear! Anything special you would like to share?

Lately I have been fascinated with old shapes and the intricate designs from last century, so I have incorporated that vintage look into my collections, mixing old stones and rings refurbished from vintage pieces with nature inspired style with art deco shapes… I have also made some new styles with the electroformed leaves and have incorporated a pin to every leaf pendant, making it so that it can be worn in two different styles. I am very excited about my current collection and I am so looking forward to sharing them with everyone at Pasadena ARTWalk!

We are so excited to explore your collection in person!

Find Minkara Jewelry at Pasadena ARTWalk on September 21st & 22nd.
Website | https://minkara.life

Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/minkarajewelry

Lilia and Alisa of Untitled Square - featuring the star of the show.. Lilia’s pup, Shanty.

“Time’s Gentle Embrace”

Where are you from and how does that affect your work?

Lilia and I are both Armenian American artists. I (Alisa) was born in Armenia and moved to the U.S. when I was 6 years old. Lilia was born in Iran, moved to Armenia for college and then moved to the U.S. when she was 29 years old. We grew up under very different circumstances, but when we met, we shared so many commonalities that we became fast friends. Even though we had very different artistic styles, we found that we were able to work together quite easily, even sometimes on the piece. We were able to match each other’s brushwork while keeping our own artist hand still visible in the piece. This led to us constantly working together and eventually becoming business partners. Our studio was founded in 2020…while the world shut down, we went to work! We are a transnational duo, classically trained fine artists from different corners of the world. We both spent our artistic careers as painters; creating, exhibiting, and teaching Art. We still continue to paint, but found a deep love for clay and the beauty in working with malleable raw materials. With clay we get to play again, learn again, and create differently than we ever have before.

Our art has always been inspired by the harmony of human impermanence as it relates to behavior, the vibrant colors of cultures and tradition, and storytelling. These concepts are the lens with which we create our ceramic pieces. We derive strength from the richness of our unique perspectives and our diverse experiences and we take pride in the connection each piece forges between us as artists and you as the customer.

Very cool! I love hearing about you two have come together. What is your biggest artistic influence?
There are so many incredible ceramic artists that influence our work in one way or the other, that it is extremely difficult to choose. These are just a few that come to mind Grayson Perry, Betty Woodman, Peter Voulkos, Beatrice Wood, Shoji Hamada, and Lucie Rie are just a few that we are in awe of. 

How do you define success as an artist?

Artistic success, for us, is a multifaceted journey that encompasses personal fulfillment, financial stability, impact, and growth. We find joy and satisfaction in the creative process, which fuels our passion and drives us to continuously improve and experiment with new techniques. Achieving financial stability through our art allows us to sustain our practice and focus on our work without external constraints. Beyond personal achievements, we aim to make a meaningful impact through our art, influencing culture and contributing to society.

 There is endless value in that. What would you say is the hardest part of your creation process?

Ideation! Going from working conceptually and technically, to making work that is functional and sculptural, has proven to be a challenge. Thinking through practicality, necessity, and functionality before we start creating, and asking ourselves “how can this be used?” before we has been an interesting trial for our creative process. 

How has your style changed over time?

The biggest change has been shifting from two dimensional to three dimensional materials. Working with clay introduces tactile, hands-on elements to our creative process. Clay allows for a direct manipulation of form and texture, enabling us to explore different dimensions, shapes, and surfaces in a way that is different from paint. With the change in artistic medium, our conceptual framework and artistic expression has naturally shifted.

Love that you both were able to make that shift together. What is your favorite piece that you have created and why?

Lilia’s favorite piece is called “Contemplative Echos” [pictured below]. She loves the overall composition, the rich turquoise glaze draped over the brown clay, and the expression and body language of the people that we sculpted on this vase.

Alisa’s Favorite piece is called “Shadows that Sing” [also pictured below]. I love this piece because of its monochromatic nature, its use of negative and positive space, and because it has just the right balance of texture and smooth.

“Contemplative Echos”

“Shadows that Sing”

I’m having trouble picking a favorite myself! What do you love most about Pasadena?

Pasadena is a unique blend of old and new, of culture and history. There is such beauty in the historic homes and scenic views. Not to mention it houses two of our favorite places, The Norton Simon Museum and Blick Art Materials. What’s not to love.

Find Untitled Square at Pasadena ARTWalk on September 21st & 22nd.

Instagram | www.instagram.com/untitled.square

Etsy | www.etsy.com/shop/untitledsquare

Where are you from and does that affect your work?

I was born in Dordrecht, Holland from French and American parents. We moved to Southern California when I was 6 and I have been living and working in Long Beach, California since moving there to go to University. I think I have my love of old things, old houses and beautiful ornate objects from the formative years in Europe and I have my relaxed, playful, nature vibe from growing up in Southern California. We always lived near the beach and being so close to such an impressive natural space has really impacted the way I see the world. Even if my work isn’t particularly beachy, there is a strong reverence for the natural world that I try to bring into all of my pieces.

I definitely see the influence of nature in all of your pieces & I’m obsessed. What is your biggest artistic influence?
I grew up going to a lot of museums and going to see tons of live music. Just last weekend, we saw Keith Haring at LBMA, I love his bold lines and patterns.  Also, not too long ago we were at the Norton Simon Museum with a group of friends, taking in the European painting  collections from Manet to Kandinsky. There is always so much to be inspired by, with the great painters, even if it’s a totally different medium, I love to look at color combinations and compositions.

We still go to a lot of rock shows, we are so fortunate that LA has such great venues to see bands, it makes it so easy to get out and see great music. We recently saw LCD Sound System at the Rose Bowl, Nick Cave at The Orpheum, The Dandy Warhols at the Fonda and Queens of the Stone Age at the Forum. Besides rock, drop by the studio any day and you will hear anything from jazz to neo soul to afrobeat to Latin punk, The music is always playing!

Especially jealous that you saw LCD Sound System! How do you define success as an artist?

I’ve been at this for almost 25 years so my views of success have changed over time, but one thing that has been a constant is quality of life. I have tried to make fulfilling work while still allowing time for raising my two boys and exploring the world around me. Making jewelry has provided me not just with an income and flexibility by being my own boss but a chance to make work with my hands - a practice that is both meditative and thrilling. There is so much problem solving in jewelry making, there is never a dull moment. I also really enjoy making pieces that other people can connect with and wear as a part of their daily life. That connection and experience is really important to me. 

What would you say is the hardest part of your creation process?

The selling part can sometimes be a challenge. I love connecting with people in person, it gives me so much satisfaction seeing the work on customers. That said, outside of doing shows, it’s hard to market the work and grow the audiences, every time I think I’ve got it down the technology changes!

How has your style changed over time?

I feel like my style has changed slightly over time in terms of scale and shapes, in jewelry you do have to move with the trends a bit, even if not following them, you have to at least nod to them.  However I think if you look over the years, most people see a thread or style that runs through most of the work. I have learned some new techniques along the way so they usually make it into new works as well. Overall, story telling through texture, symbols, picturesque stones and organic forms have inspired my work since the very beginning. 

What is your favorite piece that you have created and why?

These are the first three cuff bracelets that I ever made. The one in the back with the row of dots is one of my favorites and a piece that has been the jumping off place for some of my most popular pieces. I have been making wide and skinny stacking pebble cuffs for 20 years! I love the texture, the dark and light contrast, the way it works with so many other silver textures as a layering element. I also love arranging the little silver pebbles and fusing the piece together, the process itself is really fun.

I love that the first cuffs you ever made are still your favorite. What do you love most about Pasadena?

Pasadena arts and crafts! The old school charm, the architecture and magnificent gardens. 

Sitting at the base of the San Gabriel mountains, Pasadena is beautiful!  I have been coming to this city since I was a kid, for museum visits, strolling Colorado Blvd and Huntington Gardens with my Grandmother. Later as an adult I did the Contemporary Crafts Market at the Convention Center for many years. During that time, I met some really wonderful people, I feel like people here really appreciate craftsmanship, and as a maker, that is such a special thing to connect with. It’s  been so nice to reconnect with some of those customers  through Jackalope and to meet so many new amazing people! I love any chance to come up and spend some time in Pasadena.

It really is a special place. Anything special you would like to share?

Right now I’m working with some really fantastic stones that have this wonderful sky scene in them. They feel so fresh and optimistic, I’m really loving the feel of this new collection. I can’t wait to share them with you all at Pasadena ARTWalk! 

I’ve never seen any stones like this!! Can’t wait to see them in person.

Find Jivita Jewelry at Pasadena ARTWalk on September 21st & 22nd.
Website | www.jivitajewelry.com

Instagram | www.instagram.com/jivitajewelry

Where are you from and does that affect your work?

I'm a first generation Puerto Rican, my parents moved from the island to mainland America. I recall late nights of my father playing Bomba with his friends when we would visit my grandparents. He even showed me how to play the barril de bomba. Bomba is music and dance developed by West African enslaved ancestors as a form of self expression and resistance against plantation oppression on the island. This is why music overall is a large part of my process of creation, it takes charge of what colors or energy I put into my pieces. My Great Grandmother always had cats visiting the back of her home, so it felt magical seeing them come and go- the scene still sticks with me. Lots of large leafed plants in the back and cats peeking in to see if food is served. I think this is partly why I'm obsessed with combining cats with floral motifs. Along with my father taking me to see El Yunque National Forest, one of my favorite plants I encountered there was the Mimosa Pudica. It's a cute plant that curls in itself when touched! Since then, I've had a deep fascination with nature and mishmash that with my love of color and nighttime vibes.

What is your biggest artistic influence?
Impressionism, Puerto Rico (specifically at night, and nature themes), Retro Anime (Sailor Moon, city pop themes etc), Surreal Horror (Middens, Ib etc), Vapor Wave, decora, collage, reliquaries, folklore, superstitions, Astronomy/Biology

Your inspiration seems to be everywhere! I love it! How do you define success as an artist?

I'm not sure. I'm still learning as an artist and there's so many forms of "success.” I don't think I've reached that point for myself.

What would you say is the hardest part of your creation process?

I hate the sketching process. It's my least favorite stage of art creation. I try to jot down the idea quickly, focus on shape and mood in mind- then go in with color as soon as I can.

How has your style changed over time?

My work used to be more focused on reality and background heavy, now it's far more surreal with aspects of reality injected in. I'm a little happier with the process of how I make art now. It's become more enjoyable with how I think about a piece and how I arrange the composition.

What is your favorite piece that you have created and why?

The "Dreams.exe" sketchbook! I love huge, fluffy clouds ( The clouds in Puerto Rico and East Coast are glorious! I miss them after moving to the West Coast).
And I like using colors you can see on those cool NASA photos of nebula, so I combined those for the sketchbook cover. The "Dreame.exe" cause I want it to remind anyone using the sketchbook to have fun engaging with creativity and imagination.

“Dreams.exe” sketchbook

That is so cool! What do you love most about Pasadena?

I love how green it is here! There's a lot of variety in vegetation, great diversity of people (I don't feel out of place), and there's a lot of excellent local food joints!
I'm incredibly happy to be in a place that cares for small business.

Definitely one of our favorite parts too! Anything special you would like to share?

I'm a huge fan of pokemon! I collect pokemon cards and make my own themed decks as a hobby!

Find Cosmicloak at Pasadena ARTWalk on September 21st & 22nd.
Website | www.cosmicloak.com

Instagram | www.instagram.com/cosmicloak