News / Conversations with an Artist

Betsy & Iya is the jewelry line designed by Betsy Cross and run with her husband Will Cervarich, out of Portland, Oregon. We love their varied influences, approachable and fun culture, and their celebration of beauty in details big and small. Betsy's response to our interview really gives you great insight into what moves her.

Kelly Shimoda of Shimoda Ceramics makes hand built ceramics, including jewelry, tableware, and sculptural pieces. Her work has a visceral quality, inspired by observations of landscape, the natural world, textiles, and metallic elements. Her blocks and figures capture a strong element of play. Her wallhangings beg to be transformed regularly. Her jewelry is a study in texture, both tactile and visual.

We were struck by the geometric and architectural shapes featured in Olivia Shih's jewelry collection. They have bold strength and at the same time an elegant grace. She hand sculpts each piece transforming the acrylic into textural jewelry. Olivia's collection just landed across the Bay from her Oakland studio. 

We have been coveting the work of Elizabeth Strathern for a few years. Her hand-formed jewelry speaks to craft in the most brilliant of raw meets delicate meets fierce heroine. Her Franny E Fine collection masterfully melds together ancient themes with contemporary design and subjects. We're thrilled to feature this jewelry in the shop and take you behind the scenes of a modern mind with our interview.

Jeffrey Levin is a master jeweler and the co-founder of Poet and/the Bench. Jeffrey designs his signature jewelry collection and custom jewelry commissions under the eponymous Jeffery Levin brand. Jeffrey and his wife, Bonnie Powers, build on their passion for discovery through co-curation of an elevated mix of designers and mid century modern found goods. The Poet and/the Bench edit reflects a considered fascination with narrative, taste and a devotion to craft.

We met Esther and were enamored with her metal work–the combination of 14k and 18k gold with oxidized silver and reticulation, hammering and patina techniques. Each of Esther's jewelry pieces are individually made, giving them a one-of-a-kind feel. 

Kalla McGuire is the founder and designer of Küdd:krig, a home goods label out of Long Beach, CA. We were attracted to the unique designs that capture the inspiration and aesthetics of the West Coast while also reminiscent of what we love about Scandinavian design. Come get cozy with these texturally cool, artfully made pieces!

Matthew Schildkret is the founder of Late Sunday Afternoon, his brand and retail store in Venice, CA. Matthew sews his line of scarves, ascots, pocket squares and bandanas from locally sourced dead-stock fabric; benefitting the planet and with limited edition styles, gets us all coveting each new launch. We love these yummy accessories and how Matthew and his team are a force for good in the world. We're happy to have discovered Late Sunday Afternoon.