Here, we ask designers to take a selfie and give us an inside look at their life.
Age: 48
Occupation: Artist and designer.
Instagram: @yaelsonia
Hometown: New York.
Studio location: New York and São Paulo.
Describe what you make: I design jewelry, often with a kinetic and architectural/sculptural element, that complements the strength and beauty of the women who wear them.
The most important thing you’ve designed to date: The Spinning Wheel Bracelet has continued to be my signature piece of jewelry since I created its first version, handcrafted in 18K white gold and loose round Tahitian pearls, set free within the metal structure. The spheres roll around the wrist practically uninterrupted; a piece that looks simple but actually takes one goldsmith over a month to perfect!
Describe the problem your work solves: I create jewelry that transcends self-adornment and reveals how individuals express themselves.
Describe the project you are working on now: I’m in the early stages of designing a new collection that will incorporate exclusive stone cuts and clean gold lines. I’ve also been exploring some new organic forms for jewelry and small sculpture during this quarantine period.
A new or forthcoming project we should know about: I’ll be launching new pieces from the Ellipse collection this fall, which is my first collection that comprises only pearls. The new designs include diamond paved edges and the introduction of white gold to the primarily yellow gold collection.
What you absolutely must have in your studio: I work best with minimal outside noise, music playing, and artwork. In both New York and São Paulo, I face a beautiful black-and-white acrylic painting of a horizon by the artist Luis Antonio Espinosa.
What you do when you’re not working: I visit museums, go for long walks in Central Park or Upstate New York, cook, and see friends and family.
Sources of creative envy: Ruth Asawa, René Lalique, Olafur Eliasson, Richard Serra.
The distraction you want to eliminate: Cellphones…
Concrete or marble? Marble, with all its strength, veins, and curves.
High-rise or townhouse? Townhouse.
Remember or forget? Remember. Never forget.
Aliens or ghosts? Both. I’d like to believe there’s life beyond what we see.
Dark or light? Light, always!
