17 May 2011

Featured Artist: Suzy Landa



Suzy Landa began making jewelry for friends and family at age 5, using colored telephone wire and fuzzy pipe cleaners, until she discovered that the candy necklaces available at every local drugstore checkout counter were attracting considerably more attention. She eventually studied metalsmithing in New York and subsequently turned a hobby into a business.

Landa's jewelry appeals to a self-assured woman who isn't afraid of a little self-indulgence; a woman who treats herself to fashion must-haves, not just an occasional piece for a special event. “Fine jewelry should be fun jewelry,” says Suzy; “Precious stones may be worn every day; bright colors can be surprisingly neutral; and diamonds... well, what are you saving them for?!” A woman after our own hearts!

Equal parts playful and elegant, Suzy Landa's jewelry marries simple geometric shapes with soft, feminine lines in creations ideal for both day and night. Her inventive, flirtatious designs feature brushed 18k gold and gemstones in colors so delicious the pieces appear edible. Suzy favors curved lines to straight; circles to squares; form to function. Inspired by mid-century design, she creates jewelry that is at once bold and understated. Refreshing new classics that are glamorous but not glitzy, her pieces have an old world air with a modern flair.

The collection of earrings, necklaces, rings, and bracelets reflects a combination of high-end materials mixed with practical wearability. Just as easily accompanying Levi's and a t-shirt as an evening dress, the jewelry is elegant, yet comfortable; contemporary, but not trendy; timeless, and yet totally without pretension.

Each piece, branded with a "Q," pays homage to Suzy's childhood nickname and thus, to many early memories -- especially the hundreds of times she rifled through her grandmother's drawers when playing "dress up." The clothes were nothing without the jewels. The jewelry always made the outfit. It still does.



We just adore Suzy and really enjoyed her responses to our 20 Questions!

1. What is your name?

Suzy Landa

2. Where are you from originally? Now?

Born and raised in Los Angeles, CA. Moved to NYC “for a year” at the end of 1990 and never left.

3. Where do you draw your inspiration?

Architecture, contemporary art, graphic design – striking shapes, clean lines, bold color.

4. How important is it for you to surround yourself with other creative people?

Very, especially people who are imaginative, keenly observant, and appreciate beauty in small details.

5. Describe your creative process?

A gemstone I fall in love with plus a mental snapshot of an interesting object, texture, or graphic I noticed will lead to a crude drawing on a scrap of paper and subsequently a meeting with my model maker with whom I share beautifully effective shorthand.

6. What is the crucial item every woman must have for the upcoming season?

A classic but slightly funky pair of diamond hoops – for the upcoming season and EVERY season.

7. If you could accessorize a celebrity that best fits your brand, who would it be and why?

Regarding the celebrity, likely someone like Julia-Louis Dreyfus -- beautifully, yet casually dressed in classic, non-fussy looks; and her persona seems a perfect fit: She's smart, sassy, silly, and always put together yet never seems self-conscious in her choices. And she loves to accessorize!

8. Who or what is your biggest influence?

My mom, who has an uncanny ability to create something fabulous out of the most random items she may find in the closet or drawer.

9. Do you listen to music when you work? If so, what kind?

I like quiet when I work. My own head produces too much noise…

10. What was your 1st job?

Working weekends at my grandfather’s hardware store in South Central L.A. as a young kid. “Working” was second to spending time with my papa and making jewelry and scupture out of nuts and bolts and washers and oddities found at the shop. I’d get a shiny silver dollar at the end of the day.

11. What is your most treasured possession?

My most treasured possession is a men's Lord Elgin watch my father gave to me when I was little. It was way too big for my then skinny wrist, but I loved that it was something old that had belonged to him that I was wearing in a more trend-setting way; girls just didn't wear a man's size watch in those days. That kind of choice informs my design choices: I strive to marry traditional with contemporary elements to create modern classics.

12. Are you a morning person or a night owl?

Some amount of both. I’m a bit of an insomniac, so my “work hours” can be any time of day or night.

13. What is your favorite meal?

PB&J – the most efficient and satisfying combo of salty and sugary deliciousness.

14. What’s the last thing you read?

FREEDOM by Jonathan Franzen

15. What’s your favorite quote?

“Life is what happens when you’re busy making other plans.” John Lennon

16. What’s your guilty pleasure?

A nap in the middle of the day.

17. What TV character, if any, do you most identify with?

I don't really identify with any TV character, sorry....

18. What do you do to relax?

Who has time to relax?!

19. What is your favorite season?

Summer. I’ll take 100 degrees over 20 any day.

20. Is the cup half empty or half full?

Full, generally, though perhaps threatening empty when I’m overly tired or anxious.

If you can make it here...