Spot the Designer - Arielle Brackett/ USA

What did you want to be when you were a child?

I have always wanted to be an artist or an art teacher. I grew up in a family of craftspeople and artisans and I was encouraged to make art from a very young age.

When have you started creating jewelry? How did this passion come about?

The first piece of jewelry I made was a pair of sticker earrings that I made when I was four or five years old. 

What was your first project or significant piece for you and from what point of view? 

There have been many milestones throughout my creative practice but I would say that the most significant piece of work I did was for my thesis project for my BFA. Here is a short artist statement of the work: As a rape survivor, I have struggled with depression and PTSD. For People Don’t See the Weight, I conducted interviews with fifteen rape and sexual abuse survivors. I created a metal object for each contributor, which convey the secretiveness of sexual violence. The outer surface of each piece appears ordinary, while the inside reveals distress. This work is displayed on a table to encourage viewers to interact with the pieces. Behind the table, letterpressed quotes from each participant hang on the wall. My responsibility as an artist is to create an outlet for survivors to be heard.  The pieces were displayed so that the viewers could pick them up and look at them. Throughout the duration of the exhibition, I had numerous people share their stories. This is when I realized what an impact my art could have on a community. 

How do you charge your batteries? What other passions and creative interests do you have?

I recharge my batteries by being in my studio or outside in nature. It is a fine balance between the two. I love camping, swimming, hiking and kayaking. Aside from jewelry, I also enjoy mixed media, fibers, painting, printmaking, small scale sculpture, etc. 

What does the connection between manufacturing tradition and contemporary design mean to you? 

I appreciate the craftspeople who have come before me. I believe that the generations before us helped to provide a strong craft fountain. This traditional fountain is how I’m able to implement well crafted contemporary designs. 

Is there a self-portrait piece that speaks most about you?

Five years ago, I created a self-portrait sculpture in the form of a nest and cup. The nest was woven together with twigs, moss and dried air plants. I sealed it with a lacquer and electroformed (copper plated) it. The cup is raised from a flat sheet of copper and has a turquoise patina.  Conceptually Self-Portrait, is about being a late bloomer and the youngest child. It is about the growing pains surrounding leaving the “nest.” It was a painful process for us all, but a necessary one. The oversized “egg” has become too big for the “nest.”  I, too, have become too old for my parent’s nest. Although there is still a bit of the nest that holds the egg, there is no longer the complete protection or nurturing that there once was. It becomes a piece about growing pains, reflection and growth. 

Which material have you not yet used is a temptation and a challenge for you?

I am really interested in learning how to weave. I am fascinated by basket and loom weaving. I would love the challenge of incorporating the techniques into my jewelry. 

How was the pandemic period for you as a jewellery designer?

The pandemic period has been a time of reflection. It gave me the time and space to create,  to meet goals and do things that I normally wouldn't have had the time to do. It has however been financially hard on my business and sales have dropped significantly. 

How do you see the future of contemporary jewelry?

I am excited about the future of contemporary jewelry. I am inspired by the use of alternative materials. Contemporary jewelry is expansive and continues to push the boundaries of what is considered jewelry.

Find more about the designer Arielle Brackett