Love by boe. Seriously, LOVE. I own a couple of pieces and I’m pretty sure that I will end of owning more, before all is said and done. So to say it’s a real pleasure to be sharing my interview with Annika Salame of by boe for today’s Wednesday Indie Artist Fixx is a really big understatement. Love, love, love. Have I mentioned that?
Anyway, before I get drool on the keyboard, here’s my interview and some lovely eye candy from by boe.
What blogs and mags do you read and what shops do you shop at?
I am always reading Refinery29! I also love hintmag, 10 magazine, another magazine, and numero magazine. My favorite shops are Assembly New York, Maryam Nassir Zadeh, and Dear Fieldbinder.
What are your inspirations in your art and life?
It is hard to pin down…I think it’s life itself! All the visual things you run into on a daily basis while going about your life. And of course traveling, music, family and friends, books, movies, food (and wine).
What’s your creative process like?
A piece or collection usually starts with a feeling or mood and an attraction to certain shapes or materials. The pieces grow from experimentation, but it all starts with inspiration! Music is a big part of my creative process—I tend to gravitate towards indie rock (Yeah Yeah Yeahs, TV On The Radio, and First Aid Kit (incredibly talented sisters from Sweden). Nina Simone is a favorite, too.
Share something silly about yourself.
I would never, never sing karaoke no matter how much wine I’ve had!!! Although when I am home alone, I pretty frequently turn the music loud and dance around a bit crazy…it’s a nice stress releaser.
What does indie mean to you? You can give a literal definition, choose to be a little esoteric or a combination of both.
Free expression that is not bound to expectations or commercial value.
Is your home messy or organized? Which one do you think is ideal and why?
It looks very organized, but is a quite messy behind the closed closet doors.
When did you get your start and what made you decide to take the plunge?
I started with a small studio/workshop/retail space. I’ve been lucky, in that I have almost always worked for myself, one way or another.
What’s new or in works?
A STUDIO collection of jewelry that combines silk, wood, leather and metal. It’s a stark contrast to the regular delicate by boe jewelry, but it still has the same aesthetic. I’ve been dreaming of an edgier, moodier collection for years, and it’s so wonderful to realize these visions.
When you aren’t working on By Boe, what do you like to do?
I like to be in nature, go biking, spend time with my daughter and friends. Music is something I really enjoy, and I’m always going to check out new bands.
What’s been your favorite piece/design that you’ve ever created and/or your favorite project you ever worked on?
My favorite piece is part of our new by boe STUDIO collection—it will be released for sale soon! It’s a necklace made of gold and these great half-circles of dark wood. It’s a gorgeous statement piece, and I can’t wait to get it out in the shop!
beautiful work! love the leather rings.
I love her style!
love love love all of this jewelry!!!