Silversmith and Model// @claralew2
Model// @jademonty11
Photographer// @bonfireheart.photo
Creative Assistant// @mahlee_sem23
What inspired this collection?
Every month, Gem Studio Silversmiths get a chance to hang out and create fun pieces of jewelry together. At one of our "Ring Making Parties'', I was experimenting with ideas of different stacker rings. I found ways to set up and solder together a little "peace sign" design and the "Groovy Collection" was born! I love the cheery, powerful colors of the 70s and had tons of fun capturing this groovy vibe.
Tell us about yourself! What do you do outside of Gem Studio?
Hi! My name is Clara and I live here in Salt Lake City! I grew up in Oregon and love the outdoors. That's a huge reason why I chose to move to Utah! My favorite days consist of running, playing piano, making soup, catching a laser show at the Clark Planetarium, organizing my new apartment, thrifting, playing Super Smash Bros., and of course all while hanging with the Gem Fam!
What are you most passionate about?
Life! I'm SO excited to be here on this pretty planet! The ebb and flow of our natural world is what inspires me the most. When I focus on how the growth of plants, animals, and earth's ecosystems occurs, I am reminded that I too can grow!
What is currently playing on your Spotify?
Each season of the year, I begin a new playlist. I started doing this almost five years ago and it has become one of my favorite forms of journaling. The seasonal playlists always end up being a jumbled mess of new music, old favs, and random piano concertos. Some of my fav artists this Autumn include: STRFKR, Dan Deacon, Kippersnack, the Black Eyed Peas, Armchair Expert, Debussy, Delicate Steve, and on, and on...
What’s your favorite thing to do in Utah?
One of the main reasons I moved to Utah was to experience a different side of nature. Growing up in Oregon means I've danced through my fair share of rain. I'm grateful to be exploring new (to me) types of weather. My favorite place to run/hike is through the red rocks of Southern Utah. There is something incredibly energizing and empowering about spending time in the mountains!
What do you want to manifest in your life over the next year?
I am embracing who I am as I learn and grow with myself. Some mantras I've had on my mind lately are "small changes create big changes" and "go for it" and " the day you plant the seed is not the day you eat the fruit". These mindsets have shifted my perspective on life in the best ways!
What is your favorite gem, and why?
I am a fan of all types of agates! Recently, two of my fav people on the planet have both gifted me earthy, green stones. The first was a rectangular, speckley Tree Agate. I was able to turn the little stone into a ring and it's become a staple in my collection! The second, is a large, oval-shaped Mossy Agate that I'm beyond excited to create something with. Thank you Jade and Abby for the cute stones and your girlboss energy and wisdom!
What is your favorite part of the silversmithing process?
I love being able to problem solve in workshops! Sometimes in silversmithing, things can go awry. Finding solutions and ways to most effectively design and create a piece is one of my favorite aspects of learning this skill.
What's your favorite gem studio memory?
Gem is my favorite place to be because of the creative, passionate people involved! Reuniting with customers I've taught before is always a blast. I've found life-long pals at Gem Studio and enjoy connecting and learning with all the folks who come through our doors.