Designer interview - Justine Brooks

When it comes to travel, there really aren’t many countries that Justine Brooks has not visited. Taking nearly a year off to travel and discovering a love for jewelry making on the way, we talk to this exciting and passionate designer about her love for all things raw.

Hello. Can you please tell us a bit more about yourself?

My parents are British but I was born in a suburb of Toronto, Ontario, Canada and lived there until I was 18. I was privileged enough to have a father that worked for the Airlines, which gave me the golden ticket to fulfill my curious and passionate soul.

My first solo trip was at age 16 When I spent the summer in England; after finishing high school at age 18, I spent the year in Australia working my way around.  I then moved to various cities in Canada for Art school. The mountains, rain forests, and ocean make Vancouver feel like “home” for me every time I get off the plane.  Each year I try to make room for two months of travel to get inspired and collect new materials.

You have said that your focus on metal technique, stones and design is influenced by your nine-month travels. Why did you decide to embark on this trip?

I had graduated art school major in ceramics and realized I had a strong conceptual background, but I wanted to broaden my knowledge of different jewelry techniques and design concepts from other cultures. I was also eager to explore every nook and cranny of the world, as it makes me feel alive. I can’t imagine a better afternoon than wandering through a crowded Egyptian bazaar exploring endless isles of precious gems. I chose to visit countries that were known for having rich cultural art backgrounds. I was in search of inspiration from textiles, pottery, and architecture, fashion and jewelry.

Can you tell us more about this trip?

I started my trip in Istanbul, Turkey. I had no set itinerary or timeline, but lots of passion. I felt Turkey was an excellent place to start my trip as I had heard so much about the famous Grand Bazaar. I wanted to see where East met West and the path that many precious jewels had once taken along the Silk Road. I spent several weeks travelling through Turkey and met some amazing people that helped me plan my next few steps of my journey. I then travelled to Greece, Jordan, Egypt, Israel, Kenya, Malawi, Zimbabwe, Botswana, and South Africa.

In South Africa I visited several museums, in which I learned more about the gold and diamond industry in Africa. From Johannesburg, I flew to Dubai where I was in shock from the contrast of life in Africa. I wandered the famous Gold Souq and admired the emerald and diamond studded iPhone cases that seemed surreal.

How did you decide to become an accessories designer?

At first, I was making jewelry for my friends and family out of mussel shells I found on the beach. I had always loved making beaded jewelry when I was young, so I guess it has always been in me. I loved the shell jewelry I was making, but I wanted to be able to make something more permanent. The double mussel pendant was one of my first Silver Earth pieces, inspired by first explorations of accessory design.

Where do you get your inspirations?

I am heavily inspired by life on the West Coast of Canada. I love the relaxed, healthy approach to life. Since nature is literally at my doorstep, I am continually going for hikes and being inspired by the flora and fauna. I often collect pockets full of neat leaves, twigs etc. when wondering through the West Coast rain forests. On New Years, I was lucky enough to be invited to a remote Gulf Island where I found on the beach a perfect barnacle to make “barnacle stud earrings” which I will launch this spring!

Why did you decide to start your own label as opposed to work for an existing company?

I enjoy having the freedom to travel and get inspired by things that are important to me. I couldn’t imagine doing anything different. I love dreaming up a bizarre idea such as Anchovy bracelet or Fly pendant and turning that into a reality.

What would you say the hardest thing about being an emerging designer has been?

As an emerging designer I find it difficult to balance between studio time and the paper work!  I have worked hard to create a healthy balance of how I schedule my time for my business and personal life.

How would you describe your designs in 5 words?

Raw. Precious. Natural. Organic. Bold.

You have said that you travel to learn new methods and get Inspirations. Where has been the most interesting place you have visited?

I was lucky enough to discover a unique jewelry workshop in a small Indian town called Manali, tucked away deep in the Himalayan Mountains. I was in shock and inspired with how low tech the equipment they used was and how they still made the most detailed work. I couldn’t put down the ore of silver that had come straight from the earth that was still in its raw form. I try to keep this feeling of rawness in my work by casting from real organic natural objects.

What is next for you?

I have been really interested in bones and anatomy lately. Keep your eye out for an anatomical heart launching this summer.

Why Boticca?

I love the clean layout of Boticca as I feel it truly allows the work of the talented designers to shine. I am also excited that Boticca has introduced my line to a new European audience. I appreciate that Boticca curates designers from all over the world, allowing for a broad range of designs and goods. I am grateful to be part of such an inspiring online community.

For more by Justine Brooks click here