2008 Crafty Bastards Vendor Spotlight: REALM
Get to know this year’s Crafty Bastards vendors! We’re posting a series of interviews of crafters who will be at the CB festival Saturday, June 28, at the Pyramid Atlantic Arts Center in Silver Spring, MD.
REALM’s jewelry collections conjure up dazzling images of everything from classic minerals and pearls to more quirky mixed media pieces. Designer Jesse Walker studied fashion design at New York’s Fashion Institute of Technology — clearly! He must have specialized in crafting fresh ultra-urban chic without obscuring the classier elements of body accessories.
1. Using just three words, how would you describe your work?
Industrial, Baroque, Minimalism
2. What are you doing to prepare for Crafty Bastards? Are there any new products or techniques that you will be trying out for this show?
I’ve been doing a lot more sewing than usual lately, making bags and fabric cuffs.
3. Is your craft widespread in the handmade community? What makes your stuff different from others in your craft genre?
Well, jewelry is about the most widespread craft out there isn’t it? I think what makes my stuff different from others in my genre, is that I try to avoid using traditional methods, and I developed my own techniques to build a personal vocabulary using lots of pins as well as ball chain instead of cable chain. There are obviously lots of people who make jewelry using semi precious stones,and there are lots of people who create jewelry using hardware and industrial materials, but not that many who combine both of those things, and that contrast is part of what makes my work unique.
4. Starting an independent shop takes a lot of dedication, planning and hard work. At what point did you realize you had the chops to start your own indie craft business?
When I realized I wasn’t qualified to do anything else.
5. Where are your favorite places to find your supplies?
Industrial suppliers, bead stores, metal findings shops, and trim and button shops like M&J in New York, and anywhere in the world I’m traveling.
6. Crafting is a grassroots revolution of sorts. It’s catching on as people appreciate all things handmade, original, recycled and environmentally/socially conscious. Does this influence/inspire your work? If so, how do you incorporate it into your craft?
It influences and inspires my work by expanding the possibilities of what materials I can incorporate into my designs, because more people are beginning to appreciate things for how creative they are, instead of just how expensive the materials may be, and whether there is a designer label on it.
7. After seeing your work, many would-be crafters are inspired to start their own creations. Could you provide any simple how-to’s or tips for readers who want to get started on their own designs?
Try to find a local venue, like a flea market, or craft show, where you can sell directly to people and see how they really react to your product, especially if you are making something that people wear - you will learn so much valuable information by meeting your customers face to face, and your craft will benefit from it.
