Today we’d like to introduce you to Laura Rubin.
Laura, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
In 2015, Branch+Barrel was a seed of an idea that came about as I first explored the possibilities of combining wood and metal. Although the initial creations weren’t the kind of designs I take pride in sharing with you today, they were all I needed to realize the incredible potential and surprising harmony that these seemingly opposing materials can create when combined. Those early designs did however generate enough enthusiasm amongst friends and passers by that I realized I needed to pursue this passion.
Originally from Central Pennsylvania I have spent my life immersed in the world of Art. My BFA from Maryland Institute College of Art along with my travels have allowed me to garner inspiration and techniques from a variety of sources, all of which I pull from when working on Branch+Barrel jewelry. From sketching out original ideas, to hiking and exploring to find the perfect piece of naturally fallen wood, or the ideal Oak barrel stave, my vision is the driving force the entire way. Beyond the design phase I am also no stranger to gearing up and getting dirty in the pursuit of my creative goals. I will often be found covered in sawdust in the wood shop cutting, shaping and refining each piece, or mixing up a fresh batch of striking, hand-tinted resins or hammering away forging the metal that frames each finished piece. I am in my element designing, creating and making.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
I think that in general it is a challenge for many artists and creatives to put on the various hats that are necessary to keep a business alive and thriving. It took me a while to find my rhythm with the myriad of unique tasks required of me. I am not naturally one to maintain routines or habits that keep a business metronome ticking. Administrative tasks can be like pulling teeth sometimes and it’s difficult to find the discipline to keep my focus crisp and clear for these activities. I am constantly learning and relearning ways to listen to my body more and simply allow myself to move in my own haphazard way. If I let me ADHD simply flow rather than fighting against it, I find that I naturally carve out the right space for all the necessary tasks. It just looks a lot different than a classic scheduled or a linear task list. Now that I lean into this chaotic swirly flow, it serves me better in the work that I do. I don’t think that many other occupational settings allow room for this sometimes necessary chaos. It can be a real super power when put in a creative and intentional setting.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
My hand-made designs utilize natural wood, reclaimed oak barrel staves, and various botanicals cast in resin and accented with hand-forged metals. All the wood and botanicals are sustainably sourced and collected from some of my favorite places around the country (specifically PNW) and chosen to highlight the natural beauty and diversity of the landscape that surrounds us. The staves are reclaimed oak barrels from wineries, distilleries and craft breweries. Each hand-cut segment displays the marks of the wine or spirit that the barrel originally held in the form of either red staining or a rich bourbon char.
My focus is on the natural imperfections in the organic material and the staining in the reclaimed barrels and highlights them using pigments and resin. This accentuates the neutral hues of the grain to create a harmony of color. This balance is juxtaposed with the brilliance of faceted sterling silver and 14k gold-fill.
What was your favorite childhood memory?
When I was approaching my tween years my mom would put small painted fairy doors at the base of the trees in our backyard. We would tell all of our younger cousins and the kids in the neighborhood that this is where the fairies lived. The story went, if a human is looking at or observing the door, it will appear fake. The moment the humans look away or stop paying attention, the door becomes real and the fairies are free to roam. The kids would leave offerings like seeds and pebbles. As the summers bloomed, the stories grew more and more elaborate. We would stage scenes that proved the small creatures comings and goings. I was so involved with the rouse that on some level, I began to believe that they were real too. It became a way to drop into the forest and breath with the magic of the earth. To allow my young spirit to connect and let my soul tell a truth that it wanted to tell no matter how contrary to reality the expression may be. It is this suspension of disbelief that I hold tight to when I am out in the woods collecting botanicals for the jewelry that I make. I have the power to infuse whatever magic into the natural world that I can conjure. I have the ability to transform what is known about plants and mother earth into whatever fantastical enchantment that I want. I’d like to think that this is this whimsical undercurrent of my work is on some level transferred to the folks that receive and wear my jewelry.
Pricing:
- 45
- 95
- 110
- 125
Contact Info:
- Website: https://branchandbarreldesigns.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/branchandbarreldesigns/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/branchandbarreldesigns
