Jewelry Report Interview with Deb Soromenho

I tend to be instantly attracted to jewelry that is a polar opposite of my own designs. I work a lot in delicate designs with pearl and crystals, so I loved the hammered metal and bold shapes of Deb Soromenho's designs at A.W.E. Handcrafted Jewelry. She describes her work as "a sort of modern bohemian" and "is artistic and earthy with a worldly flair and an environmental lean". Here she answers some questions for our Jewelry Report interview this week. Check back tomorrow for Part 2.

What is your favorite design, and is this your best seller?

Well, how about a favorite category? Any with a focus on texture such as my "Textures" spiral wrap ring. It's one of my favorites and it's one of my better sellers.

How did you first get into jewelry art in general?

I have always been an artist of one sort or another, illustration, some painting, and graphic design. I did a little hobby jewelry from time to time just as something different, but it wasn't until I decided (completely out of character) to buy and operate a salon and spa where I showcased local jewelry designers in my retail area that I fell in love the the idea of jewelry as an art form and eventually a career choice. (I sold the spa and now work full time as a jewelry designer)

Can you name another jewelry designer whose work you admire?
Easy :D Alexander Calder jewelry. I didn't even know that he did jewelry when I first started, but someone compared a couple of my pieces to his (yes, huge compliment :D) so I went to take a look and was forever in love! His sculpture is great, but his jewelry is To Die For!!! A couple of more recent designers that I've come across and like are Niki Kavakonis, I love her nature and architecture inspired jewelry and Chao & Eero, I adore the fun they put into their design.

Do you prefer doing retail or trade events?

I do a lot of retail shows. This year I'm doing larger events, more of the fine art and craft shows that are juried and quite hard to get into. I like the challenge of trying to make jewelry that is worthy of being chosen. There is a lot of great competition in jewelry and it's a huge compliment to get into the bigger shows. I haven't ventured into the trade show arena yet.

If you could have any jewelry super-power to help you with your jewelry what would it be?

hahaha... I would love to be able to magically wave a wand or twitch a nose and get all finishing details done quickly and easily. Sometimes my pieces sit for days before I get around to giving them the final polish or putting on the clasps -- not my favorite part of the process :D

What is the most exciting moment of your jewelry making career so far?
oooh, this is the hardest question you've asked. Probably the most exciting moment was the first time a juried show organizer called me to invite me to a show! How cool is that :D

Find out more about Deb and A.W.E. Handcrafted Jewelry at the links below:

http://aweshop.com

http://aweshop.etsy.com