Story and Interview by Miwa Sakamoto
I started teaching myself how to sculpt in 2004 and started making jewelry in 2008.
I think I pull shape and lines from natural elements: bones, wood, landscapes; but also nostalgia. I like to find something that makes it feel familiar.
I hand sculpt all of my jewelry with wax (the lost wax method). It is the old world way of making jewelry that’s done entirely by hand, like how they used to make jewelry in ancient Egypt, Greece and Rome. This method helps you to preserve the greatest amount of detail when working with metal.
I don’t think I would get any satisfaction making jewelry any other way. This method allows it to be a piece of art rather than just an idea or concept made into a piece of metal by a machine.
Again, nature is a huge influence. And people. Memories of my grandmother’s wedding set, or my mom’s vintage pieces; a small ring my father wore as a child. They all play roles in my creative process.
Places are definitely nostalgic and they each bring inspiration. Big Sur is a very special to me, it’s a place I will always feel I belong. I think belonging goes hand in hand with jewelry because of the way you feel when you put a piece of jewelry on that just belongs, as if you were never without it.
My jewelry is made in 18k rose gold and sculpted from wax. The sculptures themselves are done in porcelain.
The spirit of the craftsman. The artisan who takes pride in their work. I think people are drawn to it, the way it holds the energy from whoever made it. It’s not sterile. Bio: Jessica Seaton found her way to jewelry design by way of studying sculpture. The collection is entirely hand sculpted and cast using the ancient method of lost wax. Seaton’s innate creations are inspired by her love for nature, her mild obsession with death, rebirth, the unknown and everything old. You can purchase your own Jessica Seaton hand crafted piece at www.jessicaseatondesign.com