A Passion for Fashion| Inspiration jumps out of the closet to kick off 2019!
I am writing this in January. It’s the dead of winter and it’s too cold to go out and forage for sea glass. I am staring at 30 bottles overflowing with glass and pottery that I have collected for 25 years. It’s also the low season for selling as everyone is spent (literally) from the holidays. We are faced with the daunting task of creating new work in time for our mid-January photo shoot. So just what exactly got me into the studio to create 30 new pieces over the last month?
Upon reflection, it’s all right here in my universe. It starts in my closet. I have always loved to accessorize. Even in high school, my teachers would comment on me and my two closest pals and call us the “fashion plates.” But even in my plainest attire, I cannot leave the house without a barrette and 99% of the time, earrings. In the winter, in particular, the heavier jackets and sweaters are a wonderful backdrop to an oversize brooch – a STATEMENT PIECE. I recommend one for each jacket in your closet and then you are always prepared. When I went to an office every day, accessorizing was the only way to differentiate my wardrobe for 52 weeks a year x 5 days – that’s 260 work outfits + casual weekends and special events. Granted, we are more “casual” now as a society, but there’s still room for many combinations of jewelry and accessories. So for my fellow fashionistas, I simply must make sure that I keep creating beautiful things for them to wear!
What really gets my juices flowing is getting feedback on my work. It’s the beautiful thank you note I received from a very old friend from Asia with whom I recently reconnected who now owns one of my collection “gems” – wearing these exquisite blue earrings in Florida. It’s the woman who approached me in Church last week and asked me where I found my barrette. What she didn’t know is that for years I have been staring at her thick long hair wondering how to tell her she should come to the studio! It’s the lovely note from a pair of museum volunteers that visited the studio during our Fall Cape Ann Artisans Open Studios and told me how much they loved the work.
I love creating unique designs and wearable art that can be enjoyed every day and also can serve a need such as hair accessories. More than anything, I hope that it finds its way to the right person who appreciates the design and thought that went into it. So my inspiration comes from each and every person who has stepped into the studio, visited my booth, sent me notes, followed me in social media, and shared kind words. You have inspired me to reach further into my creative soul and find beauty to share. My studio is open year round by appointment – please always feel free to call and visit.
Click here for more info aboutJacqueline Ganim-DeFalco
