Back again with our Collabo series, Jan found an unconventional collaboration to explore between Linda at Little Flower Designs and Juliet at The Broken Plate Pendant Co. The way they came together with their project was accidental really! Read on to see how they turned lemons into lemonade- Juliet's answers are below and Jan has Linda's side of the story over at Scoutie Girl now!
Which came first: the idea or the partnership? Who approached whom?
I love using artist’s ceramics in my jewelry. I have done a few collaborations with ceramic artists like Diana Fayt, Jezze and Shawna Pincus, using scraps and pieces that were broken in shipping. These always end up being my favorite pieces. When I first saw Linda’s ceramics I was instantly smitten and approached her at the American Craft Council Show about letting me use her scraps if anything should break. She agreed to keep me in mind. A few months later, while both of us were vending at an outdoor spring show, an unfortunate wind came and knocked some platters off of her table and broke them into a bunch of pieces. Linda came down with a brown bag full of scraps and a sad face. She told me to do what I wish with her scraps and walked away. I felt a bad for her, but was really excited to see what I could come up with.
What is the nature of your collaboration? (did one of you purchase the rights to use the other’s artwork, do you both receive revenue from sales, is the artwork on-loan for a limited time or # of pieces….)
This collaboration was a great way to make lemonade out of lemons. Linda gave me the scraps that would have otherwise gone into the garbage free of charge. In exchange, I sent her a pendant and, as with my other collaborations, I agreed to donate a portion of the sale to the charity of the artist’s choice. In this case, Linda chose the ASPCA because of her love of animals.
How did coordinate the project work and determine who will do what?
Linda made a gorgeous plate, Mother Nature broke it, and I made the jewelry.
Is the collabo ongoing or was it a one-and-done deal?
Luckily for Linda, she does not often break her plates. But if she does, I will be happy to take the shards off of her hands!
What made you want to partner your art with someone else’s?
Linda’s ceramics have such great texture, color and design. I just knew that her plates would make beautiful wearable art.
Do you work with other artists to create collaborative pieces?
I collect scraps from a few Etsy artists, like the ones mentioned before, and also receive scraps from Baltimore Clay Works.
Do you have any suggestions for other artists who are considering a collaborative project?
Collaborations can be so inspirational. It is so rewarding to consider other artists points of views and have them influence your own work. My suggestion is to go for it!
If you could work with any other artist to create a piece together (famous and/or deceased included), who would it be and what would you make?
Wow! There are SO many talented contemporary ceramic artists out there; I can’t even begin to list. Lately, I have been drawn to Swedish ceramics patterns like “Bersa” designed by Stig Lindberg. I’d love to get my paws on one of these!
I also like to joke at I have been collaborating with Martha Stewart because I love using her Wedgewood china so much.
Thanks Juliet! You can find more of her beautiful Broken Plate Pendants, from a variety of sources, in her shop!
