Yuval
Collaboration
Cont/Coda
This wearable art piece helps us connect with ourselves, to remind us to dwell in our perfection — in the moment we gaze at the stars — despite being seen by the world as a showcase of freaks, We embrace the things that make us “othered.”
This is our second collaboration with a local artist and friend (@yuvalozery) in L.A. We connected through a mutual friend and I noticed how
talented Yuval was and how our approach to art came from the same place. Our inspiration for the two-headed lamb necklace was incredibly organic. I’ve (jack) been vegan for 7 years, and have always had a soft spot for animals. When Lola and I first became friends, I would notice her little thrifted lamb figurines; needless to say our love of baby animals (and lamb shaped animal crackers) quickly presented itself. I brought up the idea to Yuval after seeing artworks from his “ethics of digital taxidermy” collection. Our collaboration materialized while eating at Sqirl, one of Lola and my favorite cafes in L.A.
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I began sculpting digital animals with the premise of looking at what it could mean to preserve natural forms through a modern medium; I call this “digital taxidermy”. In this process, another concept surfaced - a sense of duality. I found two opposing yet balanced forces represented in how these 3D animals could be created in an ultramodern way while still maintaining a strong display of nature. Various other dual elements began to appear: softness and hardness, femininity and masculinity, to name a couple. The culmination of these concepts occurred in the process of creating double-headed animals that I began digitally modeling, 3D printing, and then casting in silver. These pieces expressed balance both conceptually and visually, pointing to the doubleness of anatomical features. In collaborating with JL on the creation of the two-headed lamb necklace, I get to expand on these initial concepts, and together, deliver something that feels thoughtful and harmonious.
Form
In Conversation
In order to form these ideas and get them across it was important for us to showcase the lambs having two heads— but firstly, its important to note the symbolism lambs have. In art they represent innocence and purity, the spiritual, the compliant, and gentleness. The lamb is also a symbol of spring, of new hope, and of triumph over adversity. The first lamb of the season, as the most potent personification of these qualities, was usually sacrificed to the gods. These ideas were important to communicate to Yuval, because we saw the opportunity to not only represent how JL feels to us but we also see it as a reflection of Lola and my friendship. We both seek out innocence and purity in the world and we give space to each other so we can explore and create artistic ideas without any judgment or restrictions. The timing of the launch is funny to me — we are entering fall, but launching a symbol of spring— we tend to operate this way— unconfined by seasons or rules — with white knuckles we often rebel against them. This is common for us as we often operate on “feelings” vs deadlines in order to accomplish our goals— this organic (almost chaotic) approach is sacred to us.
Form Collection.
Inspired by forms and palettes found in nature, we created a mini collection of 5 necklaces. This series is another practice to our commitment to repurpose/reuse of vintage materials. The stone pendants are highlighted by vintage French, Japanese beads and shells sourced from independent sellers. These necklaces remind the wearer that beauty is all around us, so long as we are patient enough to look.
Dmitry Maximov
Dima photographs himself wearing jl, while using reflections to prompt a type of visual diary in his room in Los Angeles California. Creating intimacy between himself and the viewer.
MAZZY COLLECTION
We created these special pieces during our time together in California right after we hosted our first bead bar at Stone Studio in DTLA.
Each piece is a little document of our adventures together over the years, as the beads and charms are collected from different trips and outings we’ve had in Europe and the States. They remind us of moody days at Paris flea markets, sorting through vintage glass beads at reuse shops, a sweet vintage jewelry and bead seller in DTLA, and even FaceTiming so we can hunt for special components together online.
The designs came easily to us - as we were so freshly inspired by our guests. When we stepped away from the pieces, we realized how much they looked like a full collection, even though each creation is as random as we are.
We could imagine one of our favorite singers - Hope Sandoval from Mazzy Star wearing each piece, and so we decided that they should be named after our favorite Mazzy songs.
Each necklace is definitely a vibe, and we hope you love them as much as we do!
Necklaces are one-of-a-kind pieces in various sizes, and finished with our sterling silver or gold-filled components.
Canyon
Collection
This is our first collaboration with one of our favorite artists (@canyoncognac) in LA. We have been working with Canyon to create these special pieces to remind the wearer of the delicate nature of precious talismans. These ideas relate to the vintage / handmade aspect of our collective. We continue to seek out little treasures that comfort us and bring context to finding beauty in things that already exist. These forms were inspired by pieces already worn by the artist himself; each piece is sculpted by hand.
Originally from Minnesota— Canyon draws inspiration from nature and the organic shapes embedded within it-- a theme that is explored in this project.
What we wore in Mexico.
Collected moments and pieces worn by friends on a trip to Mexico this last July.
We wore these pieces to dinner, by the ocean, and to the pool, all things that cause jewelry to tarnish and wear… however, there was something special about seeing these pieces, especially via friends living a second life— as most of our components are vintage. .
- J
Mixed Vintage.
Mixed Vintage— In our newest Collection we paired our favorite vintage pieces with new metals, giving life to our favorite statement pieces— Each piece is strung by hand and includes antique/vintage components. We love reimagining a new context for things once loved.
Sustainably made Throws.
As we expand our offerings, we want to keep our commitment to be as eco-friendly as possible, and to support local, BIPOC, and womxn-owned businesses. For this project, we collaborated with our good friend Carolyn to design blankets made with remnants of retired luxury fabrics backed with heavy cottons. Each blanket is a unique, one-of-a kind creation that is designed with intention and handmade in California to ensure quality. Larger sizes make for the perfect picnic blanket, and the heavier weight of the fabrics also make these pieces cozy sofa or bed throws.
Carolyn is an interior designer in Orange County, CA. and shares our love for antique and vintage things as well as thoughtfully designed spaces.
