VAIN Ballard: Featured jeweler
Each month at VAIN Ballard we’ll be unveiling new works of art by featured jewelers. This month we’re excited to share the lightweight and elegant pieces by Miel Paredes.
Paredes is a metalsmith and jewelry maker living in Portland, Oregon. She began making jewelry for herself because she loved big jewelry, but wasn’t able to wear heavy earrings. She earned her BFA from California College of Art & Craft and her MFA from the University of Wisconsin in Madison.
Here’s what Miel had to say about her creations:
“I draw inspiration from antique lace and ornamental ironwork, from art nouveau and art deco patterns. I am interested in creating beautiful silhouettes and lines, and many of my designs are layered pieces that create dynamic movement when worn.”
“My jewelry pieces are cut from thin sheets of stainless steel with an industrial water-jet cutting machine. I cut out the finer details with a jeweler’s saw and finish each piece by hand, giving it a brushed satin surface. The stainless steel allows me to create delicate yet bold pieces that are lightweight, and very strong.”
It’s a beautiful contrast between delicate designs (which can so often mean fragile) but maintaining strength and durability. Also, the Art Nouveau aesthetic also ties in quite well with VAIN’s own beliefs. From Wikipedia:
“The Art Nouveau movement wanted to make art part of everyday life, thought to break all connections to classical times and bring down the barriers between the fine arts and applied arts.”
In other words, bring the beauty to the people; every where, every way. Miel’s inspiration for this jewelry reflects that spirit, losing the limiting weight of traditional larger pieces, and utilizing deceptively simple lines and materials to create such beauty. We’ll be featuring these pieces throughout December, perfect for holiday shoppers looking for unique and dynamic touches.
xo,
VAIN Ballard
5401 Ballard Ave NW