Happy Monday! Today I have another handmade space to share that got kind of lost in the shuffle, that of Gayle Thorsen (sorry, Gayle!) Gayle's creating space is an under-the-stairs nook that is "part shrine, part wunderkammer, and part retreat." Here she creates her one of a kind jewelry- let's take a closer look!
What do you create in this space?
I mostly
make jewelry here which means I sit on the floor in a sea of beads and
play for several hours—usually listening to music. It usually takes that
long for a vision to clarify—sometimes I design six necklaces before I
get to the one that is great. (Kind of like Michelangelo said—the angel
is in the marble, for me, the angel is in the beads.) I make only necklaces
right now because their size allows the most flexibility. Once all the
materials are assembled, I set up a little portable table and fashion the piece
right there.
My necklaces are typically not for the shy—they are
statements, more occasion pieces than go-to-the-grocery-store pieces—but I’ve
seen them work very well with conservative business suits. In fact, I really
like to see that combination. I’m inspired by different periods of
history and different countries. I love baroque, over-the-top, heavy pieces,
and mixing materials. I name every necklace I make because it’s that
personal, and each is one-of-a-kind. My work mostly features gemstones, but
incorporates many other materials. (Miriam Haskell is my idol!) This all
started two years ago when my husband gave me a small gift certificate to a
nearby bead shop—completely unexpected because I’d never made any
jewelry, but no accident. I think this is my calling!
I also do quite a bit of decoupage in this space—useful objects
and small pieces for use in my jewelry. Decoupage is WAY underestimated as an
art form. I just wish I had the space to take on furniture!
Can you describe what we see in the pics a bit?
This space is a
small, nearly round room underneath the staircase—it’s very
private. There’s a little fireplace and three bay windows, and a
lot of Buddhist statuary and pictures—also a Thai spirit house I brought
back from Bangkok. Most of my jewelry supplies are stored in an old Indian chest.
It’s like Aladdin’s Cave in there: wire, chain, leather, gemstones,
pearls, glass beads, silk flowers, vintage findings, sequins, pairs of pliers,
crimpers, etc. My inspiration comes from every direction—the spiritual
objects, the backdrop of green at the windows in the summer, my favorite furniture
and books, my ivy topiaries (a hobby), and the mantelpiece carving that says “
The best of men hath ever loved repose.” (OK, there was gender bias at
the turn of the century.)
How do you feel when you enter your "handmade space?"
I feel like I’m
entering a stage set and a holy space all at once. (You have to descend three
stairs to enter, which makes a person conscious of the transition into this
room.) These two feelings are by no means mutually exclusive. For me, the
creative process is theatrical but also transcendent. There are many times when
I completely lose track of time or the sense of “something happening”
elsewhere. The vibrations are very high here; it’s where I’m most relaxed
and happy. I also love that fact that I can leave it messy and not worry!
To find out more about Gayle, check out her blog, The Violet Hoarder and take a peek at her "not for the shy" jewelry collection on etsy!
Thanks Gayle, for giving us a little glimpse into your space! It's nice to see someone who integrates their craft with their spiritual beliefs, especially since the act of creating can be such a spiritual event in itself! :)
