Who: Amaya Jones

What: Art Historian & Jeweler

Where: Los Angeles, California

Hi Amaya, so I like to ask about an artist’s upbringing? Can you recall your first creative memory?

My first creative memory was probably in kindergarten. I would spend hours drawing and redrawing this princess with long hair and long eye lashes with swirls of energy radiating around her.

I read that you studied art history pretty extensively, do you mind discussing your professional education in the arts and where it took you?

I love to understand how one [art history] movement births the argument for the next. I've been lucky to study with amazing professors at Tufts University and with Sotheby's in New York and L.A. My knowledge in art history has challenged me to think critically about my aesthetic and its symbolism.

When did you realize that a career as an artist/jeweler was what you wanted to pursue?

I've always wanted to create. To me that's being an artist. It's about creating and sharing a unique perspective. Jewelry happens to be a medium that I love and have always been drawn to. I love the sentimental value of jewelry and the room for creativity is endless.

Where did you learn the skills necessary for becoming a jeweler?

I'm constantly learning. I took a few jewelry classes before I began designing. I leave the assembly to my team of amazing manufacturers, but I studied precious stones and crystals thoroughly before beginning.

What was the process like finding your own artistic style?

The process was organic. A few seeds lead to the creation of my whole aesthetic. I knew I wanted to honor nature in my work and was drawn to certain strong geometrical lines. The rest is up for play and interpretation! Tourmaline really spoke to me and my second collection is composed of pearls. I just go to what I'm drawn to.

Not only do you design and create beautiful jewelry, but you also have a gift with words. Crafting poems and watercolors as inspiration, can you discuss that, your inspiration process?

My process varies, sometimes the poem comes first and other times the symbol is so strong in my mind that everything is based around that. I like my collections to be consistent. To keep it that way I try to correlate my own story with the stones and then solidify it with a campaign video. I love playing with multi media! I'm my case you could say it's sculpture, film, and poetry.

Who is the Amaya Jones customer, what is your hope and intention with your jewelry? 

The Amaya Jones customer is anyone drawn to nature and its holistic benefits. They can be young or old, free spirited or conservative. I suppose there isn't really a type! I would hope that anyone can find something they relate to in my work.

The materials used in your jewelry are a major component in your work, would you explain your intent for using different stones?

I became fascinated with gemstones and their healing qualities. I've experienced them first hand and for this reason I like the stones to be the focus in my work. My favorite stone is tourmaline because it's so powerful and comes in all colors. I recently learned that pearls are considered the oldest known gemstone and will be using a lot of them in my second collection.

Did you have a role model growing up? One today? Any artists you admire?

I've always looked up to my mother, who is also an artist. She taught me everything I know and still believe she's the inspiration behind a lot of my work.

Can you share any piece of advice for artists and creatives reading this right now? Professional wisdom and life hacks are also welcome.

Keep at your craft! Don't stop exploring and reinterpreting your work. Take time for yourself to become inspired, however long it takes! Don't work purely from pressure, find the fun and passion in what you're doing.

Where can we find more about you and your work? 

You can check out my full collection on my website, www.amayajones.com and find me on Instagram @amayaajones. I sell directly through email and at pop up shows and trade fairs.

Thank you to Amaya! Photos on this page are credited to Cole Kiburz and Jack Maffucci