Today we’d like to introduce you to Kristianna Foye.
Hi Kristianna, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I began making jewelry when I was in my teens, and I discovered vintage glass and resin beads early in my creative life. The beads still form the spine of my work. I now break apart vintage necklaces and use deadstock vintage jewelry materials, charms, brooches, and found objects to make my pieces. I have no formal training; I built up my expertise over many years of experimentation and creative challenge.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
My creative journey has had its challenges. But the will to create rarely leaves me, and that makes things straightforward: I just make something. I start with an idea or even with one element. If an approach ultimately doesn’t work, I have learned something from the effort, even if it is what to avoid in the future.
I often struggle to find the time to create. There are a lot of occasions in which other aspects of my life take precedence over opportunities for making jewelry. Studio space has also been an issue. I have had to move countries a handful of times, and each time necessitates a restructuring of my work area as well as a rethinking about how I can access my materials. Sometimes, I can find what I need in that city, and sometimes, I must rely on travel to bring back what I need.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I reconfigure vintage and antique jewelry materials, adding modern and found elements to make pieces that resonate today. I am most known for fringey charm necklaces, pendant groupings supported by large-scale vintage beads, tonal mixed-material beaded necklaces, and chandelier earrings utilizing repurposed vintage necklace clasps from which hang cascades of vintage beads.
I like contributing to sustainability by reworking old materials. I am proud of pushing my design process and techniques to bring my pieces to fruition. I like making only one of each piece: I tap into originality with everything I make. I also name each piece so that the theme and references are evident.
Who else deserves credit in your story?
I have had wonderful support. My mother is a retired art teacher, and the tools, materials, and encouragement needed for an artistic and creative life were readily available to me. My sister has been my steadfast supporter and has been key to pushing me to go further with my creativity. My husband and children are all incredibly supportive and patient. My friends have always been encouraging, and they wear my pieces with enthusiasm. Interacting with my clients is also very affirming and uplifting for me.
Contact Info:
- Website: etsy.com/shop/MagpieAdornment
- Instagram: @magpiejewelrydesigns
Image Credits
William Foye
Kristianna Foye
