Amy Olson – Portland Spotlight – Interview
March 16, 2010
Portland jewelrist, Amy Olson creates handmade, delicate jewelry. Her style is classic and feminine, and she recently took the time to share a bit more about her work with us.
Q (Lisa): I read in your Etsy profile that you’ve been a crafter for as long as you
remember. Do you remember a favorite craft project from your childhood?
A (Amy): As a child, I dabbled in lots of different mediums, but I would say that I think I’m most proud of the dress that I crocheted for my favorite doll.
Q (Lisa): When did you start to focus on jewelry and what other crafts do you enjoy?
A (Amy): I had been making jewelry throughout my childhood, but I started focusing on it when I was 17 and working for Mark and Viki Lareau of the Bead Factory in Tacoma, WA. I also enjoy knitting, crocheting, and paper crafts. I am in awe of good photographers and hope to become a better one myself someday!
Q (Lisa): Who are some people who have influenced your sense of style over the years?
A (Amy): Audrey Hepburn is absolutely one of my favorite style icons. As far as jewelry goes, I greatly admire Riversong, Laurice Curran, and Lisa Chandler.
Q (Lisa): How would you describe your jewelry style?
A (Amy): I would say that my signature aesthetic marries the old with the new- I love combing vintage materials with precious metals and modern concepts.
Q (Lisa): What colors, if any, do you find yourself favoring when making jewelry?
A (Amy): It’s funny- I love color and shimmery gems, but I tend to favor the neutrals. I adore pearls and find them a classic addition to any piece. Since it’s Spring though, I am noticing that I’m favoring greens and blues at the moment. they seems so fresh and right for the season!
Q (Lisa): Where do you find your inspiration for your jewelry pieces?
A (Amy): I seem to find it everywhere! I often come up with designs while taking a walk. I live in a beautiful part of Portland, OR, near cafes and parks. It is a perfect neighborhood for walking! I also find inspiration in galleries, boutiques, and magazines. I enjoy keeping up on new creative ideas.
Q (Lisa): When you’re creating new pieces, do you consider current fashion trends?
A (Amy): Yes and no- I don’t always know what the latest fashions are, but if I am ever stuck in a rut, I’ll peruse magazines or head to boutiques and then try to design a piece that is perfect for a certain outfit that I see. This tactic often gets my creative juices flowing!
Q (Lisa): Besides your own, whose jewelry do you typically wear?
A (Amy): I hate to say it, but if I’m not wearing my own jewelry, then I’m not wearing any jewelry. And it’s not because I don’t love what others make! I just find that alot of modern jewelry overwhelms me. If I could wear any designer’s jewelry, though, it would be that of Dana Kellin or Melissa Joy Manning. Their work is so delicate and detailed!
Q (Lisa): You also have a blog called Portland Loves: Local with photographer Misha Ashton. How did that come about?
A (Amy): Well, Misha and I met through an artist group and one day she just called me up with the idea! I had been thinking about starting a blog for some time before that, and when she shared the concept with me, I immediately loved it.
Q (Lisa): What is your current Portland love?
A (Amy): I am just loving all of the little nooks and crannies of our city. Every little neighborhood has its charm. My favorite thing to do right now is go to coffee in different neighborhoods and then take a walk and explore. My latest adventure was to a neighborhood called Ladd’s Addition. It was built in the shape of a bicycle wheel and in the middle is the cutest cafe and a few boutiques- so great!
~Posted by: Lisa
