The story behind Latin Lovers

In 2005 my father (age 55 at the time) was diagnosed with early onset Alzheimer's disease. A PhD and academic his whole life, the diagnosis was crushing. Over the next few years I often remembered the things he taught me. (How to change the oil in my car, how to ride a motorcycle, etc.) There was one phrase that we would repeat from time to time, "Illigitimus non carborundum". I would ask what it meant and he would say, "look it up!". Well, it took me 30 years, but eventually I did look it up. The phrase translates to "don't let the bastards grind you down."

Now as he fights a cruel disease everyday I find the phrase particularly meaningful. I wanted to carry this reminder with me at all times, and as a result, the Latin Lovers collection was born. I have had many people request phrases of personal inspiration or special meaning. I am hopeful that these bracelets might serve a greater purpose by reminding us of what is really important in our lives.

The story behind Etruscan pieces

Inspiration can come from an infinite number of sources. I am drawn to religious iconography, historical shapes and forms, and texture! I am an extremely tactile person. I take the texture I see in fabric, architecture, animal skins, etc. and apply them to metal through hand-hewn applications. Adding texture in this way softens the metal and produces an aesthetic that is reminiscent of techniques used by artisans in the Byzantine period. I love things that look very old. Like they were found after thousands of years and after a little scrubbing shine as brightly as the day they were first made.

 

 

 

 

 

The story behind Indian block printing

I have also found inspiration in the age old batik printing process. A cottage industry in many countries, women often use hand carved blocks of wood to imprint vegetable dye onto luxurious silk fabrics that will ultimately become clothing and accessories for women worldwide. Transposing the pattern of these wooden blocks into precious metal creates jewelry with a global inspiration yet very modern appeal. Jewelry with its own history. Jewelry that has been somewhere before. Jewelry enjoying its second life.

The story behind the story

And finally, my two daughters are a continual source of inspiration and support. Recently, their inspiration has become for literal as my older daughter is beginning to draw and sketch her own design ideas. She recently suggested I pay her a royalty fee if I decide to use her designs in a colllection. A budding capitalist at work. :)