Today we’d like to introduce you to Marilee Poon.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Marilee. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
I have loved jewelry for as long as I can remember. In 2013, I started taking classes in Jewelry/Metalsmithing at Glassell Studio School in Houston and discovered that I loved working with metal.
There is so much satisfaction in taking a piece of basic flat sheet metal, cutting it, forming, texturing, adding color, polishing, finishing and transforming it into a beautiful wearable piece of art! My inspirations come from travel, people and cultures, as well as spirit and nature, I have had pieces on exhibit and have been part of a gallery, and participate in local art events.
In 2017, I started selling my pieces under the label Marilee Originals. My educational and professional background is in Spanish, Public Health and Education. I have done some volunteering with various organizations, but one population that has touched me deeply are teens in a local emergency shelter. These kids deserve support, hope, and love.
Early in the summer of 2018, I was thinking of what I might be able to do to raise money and awareness for this population. Combining my background in public health with my passion for kids and love of creating jewelry art, I created the Shiny Loops jewelry line under Marilee Originals. Each shape has a meaning related to the homeless youth population. I make pieces out of two of my favorite metals: copper or pure fine silver.
Part of proceeds of the Shiny Loops line is donated to organizations that help homeless youth. I can often be found in my studio, sawing and hammering away at some new technique, experiment or creation. I hope that buyers of my jewelry appreciate the artistry, craft, and quality, but most of all, find meaning. My jewelry – Marilee Originals and Shiny Loops – may be purchased online at marileeoriginals.com.
Has it been a smooth road?
Ha! It has been a pretty smooth road overall… with a few bumps along the way. Art in itself is beautiful, and the process of creating can and does bring so much joy. But it is not without struggles. I might work long hours learning a new technique and creating a piece, and it just does not turn out the way I had planned.
Initially, that can be a real bummer, but after reflection, it can lead to new discoveries. It is often said that we learn from our mistakes, and with art, I find that sometimes when I make a “mistake,” I have actually just made a new discovery-a new look or technique that I then try and duplicate.
Creating art is hard work. It is time-consuming, and works are appreciated by those who understand what goes into them. I have been known to melt pieces by overheating, cut and burn myself, and drop a piece on the way to the kiln after spending tedious time layering wet enamel into little crevices only to have to start over. But if that is the worst part of my day, I will take it. Art helps give me perspective.
So, as you know, we’re impressed with Marilee Originals – tell our readers more, for example, what you’re most proud of as a company and what sets you apart from others.
My business, Marilee Originals, is selling unique handcrafted metal jewelry art. I often start with a basic sheet of metal and completely transform it by a variety of techniques into something beautiful. Craftsmanship is super important to me, as is individual creative design. Each piece is unique and meaningful.
I am currently most proud of the Shiny Loops line because I hope to make some kind of difference for the homeless youth populations in our communities and I feel that it gives my business, art and work a deeper purpose.
Let’s touch on your thoughts about our city – what do you like the most and least?
I love Houston! I love the diversity! We have the coolest people from all over the globe who come here to work or study and to call Houston home… And that brings me to restaurants and the food in our city.
I have traveled and visited many cities and countries, and the variety and quality of food in our city is superb. And the music. And our medical center is tops. And our museums… we are so fortunate here. I am a long time runner and love Memorial Park and running in all different parts of the city.
My least favorite part of our city is that while we have beautiful neighborhoods, fancy shops, big businesses, lots of money in various places, yet we have a large homeless population consisting of children, youth and adults and I think we can do better for them.
Pricing:
- Price range is $30 to around $300
Contact Info:
- Website: marileeoriginals.com
- Email: marilee@marileeoriginals.com or marilee@shinyloops.com
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/marileeoriginals
Image Credit:
JD Waterhouse Photography
Getting in touch: VoyageHouston is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
