FEATURED ETSY SHOP - AZHURE'S JEWELS

What a gorgeous, magical looking necklace created by Amanda of AZHURE'S JEWELS out on Etsy. You really must pay a visit to Amanda's shop as she has the most enchanting jewelry there...a wide selection of gemstone necklaces, bracelets, earrings and more! Her work is exquisite, and I love the imaginative descriptions she has for each piece. They are truly works of art!

What led you to start creating your art/craft?

I have always had a magpie like love for jewelry. As a child I had the strange belief that jewelry was a sacred art that only a select few were privileged to learn. I started art at a very young age, thanks to my mother's constant introduction of different mediums and techniques...but to be honest I was more interested in the pursuit of knowledge than art until I was about 15.

How did you decide what medium you wanted to work with?

My mother was the one who introduced jewelry to me. Every other medium I experimented with just never really worked. Well for my 16th birthday I was given a beginner's set of beads...and it was like magic, I haven't stopped making jewelry since!

What aspect of creating your art/craft do you find the most enjoyable?

It is a tie between the whole process of designing the piece and figuring out the story or message I want to go with the particular piece...and...the sensory experiences of feeling and seeing those wonderful beads (I have times where I don't actually make anything, I just sit and fiddle with the beads .

If you had to choose a fruit OR a vegetable, to describe your art/craft, what would you choose, and why?

Hmmm...that is something I have never had to give much thought to, and it was not easy to figure it out, but after lots of thought I have decided its the Star Fruit. The reason why..well first there is its appearance, it is an exotic and unusual fruit...my jewelry is exotic and unusual looking. The taste is a yummy combination of Kiwi, pineapple and apples. My jewelry is a combination of different materials and inspired by different cultures. And lastly...the shape, a star...one of my favorite forms of inspiration is the night sky.

If you had to choose one other medium in which to display your “creativity”, what would that be, and why?

Polymer Clay. Before I completely devoted my artistic energy on jewelry, I split it evenly with polymer clay. I love expressing myself with such a versatile material, it can be molded into just about anything...and unlike other forms of clay...it doesnt dry out if you wander off for a snack!

What message, if any, do you want to convey with your art/craft?

Well, it really depends on the piece. I want my jewelry to be more than just a necklace or a pair of earrings...I want it to be art that tells a story, I want the person who wears it, wear a piece of mythology, an aspect of nature or an emotion.

What advice do you have for other artists/crafters?

Follow your dreams and never turn away from the truth of self!

Amanda, thanks for a totally delightful interview. I especially love your thinking behind what fruit you chose to describe your art! To find out more about Amanda and AZHURE's JEWELS be sure to visit the links listed below.

AZHURE'S JEWELS BLOG

AZHURE'S JEWELS DEVIANT ART

FLICKR

GEM CONPENDIUM