What do you make and what kinds of material do you use?
I design and sell my own collection of exclusive, hand-painted earrings, necklaces, and eyeglass chains crafted from wood. Eventually, I’d like to add precious metals like platinum, gold, and silver to enhance the wood base.

What makes your work unique?
I challenge myself to make work that transcends trend and cultivates new classics in fashion. The way I see the design value of using wood as my base material for fashion distinguishes my work. Customers and retailers are impressed when they discover the pieces are meticulously hand painted with my own designs on wood, rather than made with glass, ceramic or a round gem found somewhere. The collection is also affordably priced, light and durable for truly unique pieces that stay relevant as time goes by. Buy a piece and it won’t break the bank. Drop it and it won’t break. Wear it and you won’t feel dated.

Who or what are your influences?
The jewelry design work and process of Bill Reid, Frank Gehry and Paloma Picasso are the most notable influences. They’ve all set new standards for timeless design.

What is your current creative obsession?
Making design, along with my other creative endeavors like photography, into a productive enterprise –I took all the portraits of the models you see wearing my collection and use it on my website and look book.

Who’s your favourite Canadian artist or designer?
Bill Reid, Arthur Erickson and Frank Gehry.

2 Responses to “Mini Interview with Mercedes La Rosa of Bijougraphie”