Today we’d like to introduce you to Erika Laureano.
Hi Erika, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I was in my 8th year working for Nordstrom corporate and became intrigued with the jewelry I was seeing in the fashion jewelry department. I thought to myself; I could probably make that. So, I started to look into taking classes. I found Danaca Design in the U District. When I called, I couldn’t believe how genuine, thoughtful, and informative the owner was from just one call in to inquire about classes (a little different from the fashion industry). From there on, I took 2 years of back-to-back classes and was most definitely hooked. I took classes from jewelry artists in the Seattle area and a handful of contemporary jewelers Dana would bring in from afar. These teachers are nationally and internationally known for their work and techniques. I learned from the best of the best! I knew it was time for a change after being on the merchant side of the fashion industry vs. the design. I was ready to start working with my hands again, creating again.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall, and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Being a full-time artist/business owner is never an easy task, especially when raising two teenagers on your own. I went from a nice salary and full benefits to nothing at all. I knew I could do it though; if other could, so could I. I had to make many adjustments and seek out help from charities and friends that could donate their time to help. In 2018 I did over 150 shows and opened my first retail location! Being so driven, determined and busy comes with many obstacles. The key is to learn from those and your struggles, come out on top, and not to make the same mistake twice!
Thanks – so, what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
My jewelry pieces are strikingly unique. I design pieces with an artful, one-of-a-kind thought process. I allow the metals to take hold of the direction to go. Most often I gather the combination of metals I want to use and push myself to allow them to work together. It’s not a traditional process or technique of metalsmithing. I want to push boundaries, and I am not afraid of failing or “messing up.” Sometimes those “mess ups” turn into the most amazing pieces I have ever created. I am attracted to color and texture and try to make sure the work have a unique application of one or both of these.
When I do participate in a group challenge of jewelry design, I do start with a drawing.
Often times my finished piece will be a rendition of that but never an exact mirror. I think this is what creates a unique design. In my fashion years, I was a HORRIBLE pattern maker but adored to drape on a form. There is so much more freedom for creativity with draping fabric vs. exact centimeters on paper in pattern making (for me). I suppose I am still like that with metalsmithing.
If we knew you growing up, how would we have described you?
I’m a Taurus, so headstrong and (somewhat) stubborn! I am compassionate, friendly, and generous too. I have always been curious and love to wander in nature, now travel when I can to a new place and wander. I love to meet new people, especially when traveling. To hear their stories about what they do and what they have experienced creates room for growth in my creative processes.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.erikalaureanodesign.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/erikalaureanodesign/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/erikalaureanodesign/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/erika-laureano-58137523/
Image Credits
Andrea @ Icon Photo
Shanna Paxton Photography
