Conversations with an Artist: Jacqueline Rose

8 Questions

Poet and the Bench_Jacqueline Hardy_Jacqueline Rose Jewelry

Jacqueline is the jewelry designer behind the Jacqueline Rose Collection. We met in Los Angeles many years ago and bonded as makers.

Describe the moment you realized art fed your soul?
I’m not sure there was one exact moment. Growing up, I was always making things and creating: ceramics, photography and painting, mostly. The first real spark was in college. I took a sculpture class that I needed for credit my last semester. I loved it. Building and creating with random pieces of whatever into something that was a part of me was a new understanding. I wanted to go further with it, but I was already preparing to go into the world of advertising. And so I did. Four years later, I knew advertising was not my passion. I also had an obsession at this point with large vintage brooches, Eisenberg in particular. I scoured flea markets every chance I got. I decided I wanted to make belt buckles with them and from there it began. I reached out to a local sculptor for tips…and that was the birth of my company, Jacqueline Rose.
 
What themes do you pursue in your art?
Reinvention. Creating new designs that have a history.
 
Tell us what influences your direction for the jewelry you create.
I love ancient jewelry eras. Anything Byzantine. Ancient Egypt, though, may be the biggest influence… they were very ahead of the game in jewelry. 
 
How has your work developed over time?
From belts to hand-cast jewelry… After making the vintage belts for a few years, I began reproducing the one-of-a-kind designs for my customers. I was introduced to bronze metal casting and the lost-wax casting method. It was a game changer. I was also making vintage coin pendants and started casting the coins, reworking them, adding natural stones and playing with different finishes. The collection has since evolved into something more polished, but still raw as intended.
 
What’s the most indispensable item in your studio?
My dremel.
 
Do you collect anything?
I am a collector. Byzantine found objects and French coins circa 1700s would be my most treasured.
 
What’s the most inspiring thing you’ve seen, read, watched or listened to recently?
It’s a collective of things… There is inspiration everywhere. I do follow several art, architecture, design, food, fashion and music sites and on social media. 
 
What advice would you give your younger self about your artistic journey?
Don’t hesitate and be true to yourself.

Poet and the Bench_Jacqueline Rose Jewelry Necklaces

Poet and the Bench_Jacqueline Rose Jewelry Necklace

Poet and the Bench_Jacqueline Rose Jewelry Rings Cuffs

We carry a capsule collection of Jacqueline Rose at Poet and/the Bench. Come play, try on these beauties and if you’d like more information, please do get in touch, hello@poetandthebench.com or 415–569–4383.

Until next time,

Bonnie & Jeffrey

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hello@poetandthebench.com | 415.569.4383 | 10E Locust Ave, Mill Valley, CA 94941