Creative Spaces: Kate Ellen

I first became aware of jewelry designer, Kate Ellen because I would often drop by her shop, Crown Nine in my neighborhood. I first started going in just to fawn over the beautiful jewelry but over time I found myself stopping by to chat and catch up with Kate. Kate is a perfect example of why I love Oakland so much, she embodies the creative, entrepreneurial spirit that is so tangible here. Not only does she create her own amazing work but she curates one of the best collections of other artisans work at her beautiful shop. Which is why I wanted share a peak inside her creative process and ask her a little more about jewelry and what inspires her. More after the jump...



Name: Kate Ellen
Occupation: Jewelry Designer + Boutique Owner

What made you want to be a jewelry designer?
Oh my. I love working with my hands, and it's such a powerful experience to have an idea in your head and then make an object. I can't really explain what it feels like when you just know a piece is done, but the best way I can describe it is affirming and joyful. So I love that part of it, the actual thinking, problem solving, and transforming that takes place in my studio in total solitude.

And then I just love-love-love jewelry, always have, always will. I especially love rings and bracelets because they are the two things that as a wearer you really get to look at and enjoy, you can have little private moments throughout your day in which you can look at your hand or wrist and feel happier by what you see there. For example, my Grandma Ellen gave me a necklace when when I was a girl that I outgrew, so instead of keeping it in a jewelry box, I melted it and added it to my Little Rock ring, so now I am always reminded of her when I look down at my hand.

Who are your biggest influences/inspirations for your work?

I admire a lot of different artists and craftsmen, but usually the stuff that really inspires me is not visually drawn from other artists or designers--I get that crazy buzz of energy and inspiration from listening to music (especially live music), reading, or listening to radio programs like Radiolab. I get really energized by ideas. I gain visual inspiration from nature and industrial objects and infrastructure. The best way for me to refuel creatively is to take time away from the studio and just be outdoors for long periods of time. My mind will just go nuts with ideas, and then I like to block off a couple weeks to experiment in my studio. I don't do a ton of sketching, I prefer to actually fabricate samples and then edit.

If you could travel anywhere right now, where would you go?

I want to take a month and a half to road trip from here to Joshua Tree, Grand Canyon, Sedona, Albuquerque, and then up through Utah to all the parks, Zion, Bryce, and Arches. I love road trips, and I think America is just absolutely stunning and inspiring. I really have few aspirations right now to leave the country, I want to explore all over the states. 

What do you love most about being an artist and Business owner in Oakland?
What I love about being an artist is the freedom I feel when I make things, and the joy I feel when I share that with others and they understand and are moved by what I do. And being a business owner is Oakland is amazing-- the small business people here are totally creative and extremely hard working. I feel like there is also a culture of openness, sharing, and a feeling of mutual love and respect for our city. It is hard to do business here, but somehow that brings out the best in us, it forces everyone to find creative ways of solving problems, to work together, and think outside of the box. Plus, I think Oakland residents just really naturally 'get' my values, and are already looking for ways to buy beautiful things that are in alignment with those values. Simply put: own less, enjoy more. 

Creative Spaces: Meg Fransee

I'm so excited for today's creative spaces post because it features fellow Wisconsinite and all-around amazing lady, Meg Fransee. I had met Meg a couple times through mutual friends when we were both living in Madison, but it wasn't until we both moved to the Bay Area that I really got to know her. Smart, witty and über-creative, Meg is endlessly inspiring. When not working with underprivileged kids at Oakland Middle Schools she is spending time in her light-filled San Francisco studio, painting, drawing or block-printing her newest pieces. Below she answers a few of my questions about what inspires her, travel and living in San Francisco.

Name: Margaret/Meg Fransee

Occupation: Children's Case Manager in Oakland, soon to be graduate student, and artist.

What made you want to be an artist?

My parents are both highly talented and creative individuals who met when they were studying art. They fostered creativity in our family and exposed us to different art forms, from my dad's large-scale paintings to the hand-sewn dresses my mom would make for us for picture day. When we were young, my older sister and I would sell drawings pinned to a clothesline for 5 cents in our front yard in Wisconsin. I suppose from that point, up through studying art in college, I have considered myself an artist.

Who are your biggest influences/inspirations for your work?

I draw a lot of influence from the network of creative people I know in the Bay Area and beyond. From my friend Emily’s playful food videos, to my friend Patrick’s tee shirts, to my old classmate Meghan’s video work, the energy of people’s creative successes and struggles around me is hugely inspiring and motivating.

Beyond that, public transportation, houseplants, flea markets, neuroscience, conversations with children, and Otis Redding, are all influential on my work.

If you could travel anywhere right now, where would you go and why?

I would love to spend a summer in Berlin. I consistently see wonderful art and music being produced in that city, and I would be able to meet up with my older sister who is living in Paris. I also would not argue with a plane ticket to Austin.

Where do you go in San Francisco to feel inspired?

I love the hand-painted signs on shops in the mission. There is such a careful quality and sincerity to the lettering and hand-painted food items that is so lovely. People watching at Patricia’s Green in Hayes Valley is always nice on a sunny morning, and Thieves Tavern is my go-to on Sunday afternoons.

All photos by Audre Rae Photography

Creative Spaces: Sarah Swell Jewelry

One of my favorite aspects of having a blog is the opportunity to be introduced to some of the most creative and inspiring people. This was definitely the case when I recently got a sneak peek inside the Oakland studio of jewelry maker, Sarah Swell. I've been a fan of Sarah's work for quite a while now, so it was so much fun to meet her, see her inner workings first hand, and talk with her about where she finds her inspiration.

What made you want to be a jewelry designer?
I was in art school studying painting and something just didn't feel right. During Summer break I took a jewelry class and everything immediately fell into place. It allowed me to be creative, but to make something more tangible. From that point on I knew I had to make it happen.

Who are your biggest influences/inspirations for your work?

Definitely Mother Nature! I am always amazed by the textures and patterns that occur naturally. Nothing could be more perfect if we tried. I also love looking at ancient jewelry. Everything has been done before, but looking back helps me to move forward in my own work.

If you could travel anywhere right now, where would you go?

My husband and I are about to embark on a trip to Hong Kong and Sri Lanka which is pretty much my dream vacation. We will be backpacking and traveling Sri Lanka by train. I've been craving a great adventure and couldn't be more ready to go! Next up on my travel wish list: Morocco, Croatia, Bolivia, and the American Southwest.

What are a few of your favorite Oakland haunts?

Joaquin Miller Park for escaping, Chop Bar for a comforting dinner, Chai Thai Noodle for pumpkin curry, Arizmendi for pizza, Tamarindo for Mezcal drinks, Tara's for ice cream...I could go on forever!