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My work has strong natural and coastal themes and I reflect the Pacific Northwest in my designs. I’m inspired by different aspects of both the East and West coasts. I’m from New Jersey where the beach has this very distinct East coast energy; you feel the urban influence of Philly and NYC, the restaurants and vendors are steps from the sand, and there are a LOT of people on the beach. Textured dunes, green grass reeds, and sandy beaches full of organic shapes that look like finished jewelry just waiting to be worn.
The Pacific Northwest has less seasonal change and it’s more wild. Huge driftwood trees lay around like matchsticks; the sense of scale is more extreme here. The beach is not just for summer—it’s an all year round affair in the Puget Sound and inclement weather is not an excuse.
When I’m collecting pieces, I look for the asymmetry found in broken shells and rock, textural patterns found on barnacles of all shapes, and the smoothness on wood and rock from forces such as water, sand or wind.
I appreciate that a barnacle is tough, battered by the ocean but not about to let go. A crab claw is elegant, yet has these gnarly little pinchers, ready to cause pain if your paths cross. There is a fragility/strength relationship in all my work that I like.
Grace Gow
Anne Siems
My fascination with pottery started with a single plate I bought at a holiday sale. It took me two more years to make it to a class. I learned quickly that working on the wheel was not what made my heart sing. Once I had my first experience of making a pinch pot and doing a raku firing I knew that this was the direction I wanted to pursue.
I love the slow pace of building by hand, letting a piece evolve slowly.
Painter by day, potter by dusk
Annette Sindel
Inspired by nature, fashion, and art, I create handmade, one-of-a-kind garments. Each piece of clothing is crafted out of quality reclaimed cashmere, fine wools, and silk in my Seattle studio. My goal is to make beautiful, unique, and practical clothing with a good conscience. I recently added two lines of naturally hand dyed found garments to my shop.
Elise Koncsek
I enjoy working in the medium of laser cut wood because it emphasizes the qualities of the natural material and allows for a unique and complex interplay of positive and negative space in the building of intriguing imagery.
To create my laser cut pieces, I first start by hand drawing a sketch image, either on paper or using a digital tablet with a stylus. Then I refine the image into a vector drawing and adjust the lines so that the finished product will be structurally sound. Once the design is complete, I send off my files to get cut out by my friend Jesse Card at Zot Lasers in Greenwood.
Kristin Nelson
I started as a sculptor with a degree in BFA in fine arts from the U of Washington. These days, I am the designer and maker at Kri Kri Studio in Seattle, producing VIT ceramics, my range of handmade ceramic vases lamps and smaller gift items. Each piece is simple, modern and unique. Thin, raised white stripes are the signature detail adding texture and a Scandinavian sensibility. Hand sculpted shapes are "perfectly imperfect" with a refined, primitive quality. Available in bright colors or neutrals, it is the “handmade” of VIT ceramics that adds warmth and personality to your home and holiday gifts
Schwa Designs
I am inspired by nature, the beautiful colors and the pure essence of where gemstones come from ignite each design. My jewelry is an expression of who I am, weaving the elements of my life in every twist and turn. Gemstones ignite healing, their power is transformative. Their vibration interacts with your vibration, bringing clarity, openness and love. This is why I create my jewelry. When I connect with Ruby it is because I am creating a piece that reflects the beauty of the heart. When I am in need of an energetic boost, I turn to Citrine to ignite my fire and cleanse my soul. I look to the moonstone when I need to calm my emotions and tap into my feminine energies. It is through the powerful gemstones, my designs are created, they show me the way. Giving me strength to work with people and help in their own healing process. Making jewelry is what fuels my inner spirit and grounds my soul. It is an expression of the beauty I try to put out in to our world and the prayers in my heart. I believe I am here on this earth to serve and create. Through SchwaDesigns, I am able to through beauty.
Saltstone Ceramics
Our goal with this work is to re-examine the everyday objects that inhabit the quiet corners of our lives and make them extraordinary. We let the material guide the product, and embrace imperfections as part of the inherent beauty of thoughtful, hand-made goods.