Architect turned jewelry designer Linda Azar has heard it said that silver collects and stores moonlight. The North Carolina metalsmith tries to capture that feeling in her work.
Artist: Born and raised in St. Petersburg, Fl., Azar earned a BS in architecture from University of Florida. In 2001, after graduating, she moved to Asheville, NC, where she worked briefly in architecture.
Dissatisfied with architecture, she studied to become a Plant Spirit Medicine Healer, which she still practices.
Feeling the need to bring creativity back into her life, Azar enrolled in the Professional Crafts program at Haywood Community College in Clyde, NC.
Company/studio: Linda Azar Metalsmith, based in Asheville, started in 2013. Her studio is in nearby Weaverville, outside of her home.
Art & materials: Jewelry, primarily fabricated out of sterling silver, plus some brass and steel. A powder coating over steel adds color.
Popular: Earrings ($90 to $565), including:
- Coquette earrings in sterling, brass and powder-coated options ($170 to $295).
- Nest earrings ($165 to $225).
- Large double feather earrings ($235).
Favorite tool: A sharp scribe to scratch lines and texture into the metal.
Inspirations/influences: Many, including:
- Her background in architecture.
- Architectural details, shapes and textures.
- Interesting patterns and surface texture in unusual and unexpected places.
- Plants, seeds, leaves, feathers and many small details found in nature.
- Constellations, stars and the moon.
Fun or unusual commission: A large brass, ceremonial belt with matching cuffs.
Recent project: “Embellishments” exhibit at the Southern Highland Craft Guild, Folk Art Center in Asheville.
Where to buy:
- lindaazarmetalsmithcom.
- Miya Gallery, Weaverville.
- Artful Home
Get Social: Instagram: @linda_azar
