Guest Curator
Jewelry Designer Pamela Love Guest Curates an Eclectic, Shamanesque Collection of Art
We’re excited to have Pamela Love, designer of the sustainable and CFDA award-winning jewelry line, Pamela Love, guest curating an exclusive collection of art as part of our ongoing Guest Curator series. Read on to learn more about the first artwork she bought (at a surprisingly young age!), how art influences her approach to jewelry-making, and the role art plays in her life.
Having studied experimental film and art direction at NYU’s Tisch School of the Arts, Pamela Love subsequently worked as a painting assistant to renowned artist Francesco Clemente. In 2006, she began making jewelry out of her Brooklyn apartment and since then has established a full production facility and design studio, winning numerous awards for her ethically-sourced and sustainably made accessories. In a few short years, Pamela has catapulted to the forefront of the design scene, collaborating with the likes of Zac Posen, Suno, J. Crew, Marchesa, Topshop, Rogan, Opening Ceremony, and others.
(Image: Pamela Love)
Pamela attributes the intuitive and spiritual nature of her designs to her varied and diverse inspirations: astronomy, astrology, alchemy, botany, the American Southwest, and the architecture of her home, New York City. While her inspirations are steeped in American folklore, she also incorporates traditional tribal artisan patterns from North Africa, Mexican folk art, and medieval European iconography into her designs, resulting in her own immediately recognizable aura of modern urban mysticism.
What was the first piece of art you bought?
When I was in elementary school I purchased a crayon drawing from my friend for one dollar.
How would you describe your taste in art? What are you most drawn to?
I’m not drawn to a specific medium. I think it is more about color palette and texture, something dreamy, something that makes me feel like I’ve been transported to another place.
What role does art play in your life?
Growing up, I always wanted to be a painter or a sculptor. I think my artistic desires shaped who I’ve become. I worked as a painting assistant to Francesco Clemente for many years and I think creating my jewelry while having such close proximity to an amazing and inspiring artist affected the way that I design and how I see things. I try to approach jewelry design as though it is an art, and I try to have art in my life every day.
(Image: Pamela Love)
What do you collect?
I collect all sorts of junk: Mexican skulls made of black pottery, antique bottles, scrimshaw, etc.
How would you describe your personal style?
I like to mix feminine and masculine, fancy and grungy, expensive designer and vintage– I really like contrasts and I love to have fun with what I wear.
If you could only have one piece of art in your life, which would it be and why?
James Turrell’s “Skyspaces” because it will always change and I won’t get tired of it.
Which artists would you most like to meet?
Lee Bontecou, James Turrell, Kiki Smith
(Image: Pamela Love)
What books are on your bedside table?
Collected Works by Joan Didion, Waging Heavy Peace autobiography of Neil Young, Utopia Parkway the biography of Joseph Cornell
What was the last great exhibition you went to?
Francesco Clemente
Nostalgia/Utopia
Mary Boone Gallery (Chelsea), New York
May 5 – June 30 2012
https://www.instagram.com/p/BSq4koZB9av/?taken-by=pamelalove
Do you have a favorite museum or gallery?
It’s difficult to pick a favorite, but Neue Galerie, Andrea Rosen Gallery, The Hole, the Pompidou, Storm King, and the Georgia O’Keeffe Museum are some of my favorite places.
If you could paint, draw, sculpt, photograph, etc. what skill would you most like to possess?
I wish I could draw, I’ve always hated the way that I draw.
https://www.instagram.com/p/BUuI-N8BTi3/?taken-by=pamelalove
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