Meet Jivita Jewelry

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