Karenna Maraj
[2005, Jewelry & Metalsmithing]
Based in Belmont, MA
Karenna Maraj creates distinctive industrial jewelry from washers and circular shapes. Each piece is hand worked in her studio in Belmont, MA. The jewelry ranges from light and delicate to deliberate and bold. She is inspired by her passion of everything jewelry and by the exploration of endless possibilities. Her designs showcase the circular elements, and make women feel special, unique and beautiful.
What are some of the most important practices for your creative process?
The most helpful way for me to be creative is to work and make a piece. As I create a particular piece of jewelry, ideas begin to form about a new way to assemble those same parts. I usually like to make sketches as I go if I have many ideas, and if I’m very excited about an idea, I frequently will quickly make a sample and put it for sale in my store. By doing this, I can get feedback and see what people think of the piece. I’ve been established in one location for 8 years, so my customers are very helpful because they have seen my work progress and they give me helpful, thoughtful and honest opinions.
How does your current creative practice tie into your time spent at RISD?
All of my current production work is inspired by my thesis project at RISD. In school I made a series of 7 necklaces with industrial washers and handmade circles. These necklaces were large and heavy- not for everyday wear. I decided upon the most interesting aspects of each of the necklaces and held those sacred, but transformed the necklace into a more practical weight and versatile design. They’ve since evolved into pendants and earrings and bracelets. So now there are styles for everyone.
Is there a work/body of work that you are particularly excited about sharing with us at RISD Craft this year?
I am most excited about my compression collection. This original design style centers around a series of handmade copper circles that have been hammered and sometimes oxidized, then made into a series of necklaces and earrings. This collection has been my most popular, especially if I combine washers with the compression. My favorite pendant also has freshwater pearls with the oxidized copper and comes with an option of two different seed beads.
To see more of Karenna Maraj’s work, visit karennamarajcollection.com
