Today on the blog, Karpagam Anand of JVAALA by KARPAGAM ANAND, Bangalore shares her label story and her entrepreneurial travel as a jewellery designer.
Tell us a bit about yourself.
I am a doctor by education, but a Jeweler by passion. I also am a happy wife and a proud mother of a 8 year old. I truly believe that every day is a blessing and hence try to live my life with gratitude and purpose. My studio is my temple and I spend hours on end inside playing with new ideas and techniques.
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Why is making so important to you?
Creativity is something that can stir one’s soul. I think as humans we are blessed to be able to use our hands to create something beautiful from simplest of materials. I love being able to take an idea that pops up in my mind and convert it into a reality that I can actually hold in my hands, to constantly challenge myself with new techniques, new materials and new designs. And to actually be able to share that with another person where the creation touches their life in a positive way is like a drug… you can never have enough.
How did you begin JVAALA and how has it evolved over the years?
My aha moment came when I made my very first wire wrapped necklace quite by accident. I looked at it and knew that this is what I wanted to do for the rest of my life. I resigned my job and started looking out for avenues to learn.
I had the blessed opportunity to move to the USA with my family and learn from the most amazing masters of Jewelry making art. JVAALA came about seven years back in US with an idea of creating jewelry that was more than just an adornment… something that added value to one’s life by virtue of its emotional impact. The focus was more on one of a kind custom orders.
Over the years though, things have changed a little bit. Though I still focus on creating jewelry that touches people’s life in a positive way, I have also given myself the permission to explore my creative thirst as an artist and have other collections that explore different materials and techniques to create beautiful wearable art.
What is your personal favorite pick from JVAALA right now? And why??
I think I always end up falling in love with the design that I am currently working on. In that way, my favorite keeps changing regularly. That said, I think I am in love with the AVATAR bracelets. It was conceptualized based on a lot of research and brain storming. But, I just love the way it has turned out. It is a simple but effective way to add power to your life.
What are you displaying at By Hand, From the Heart?
I will be launching four new collections at By Hand, From the Heart along with a few of my earlier collections.
- The IMPRESSIONS collection where I will be offering customized silver jewelry that can be personalized with stamping, initials, fingerprints, birthstones and more.
- The MIDAS TOUCH collection completely handmade in my studio with porcelain and liquid 24K gold.
- The ENAMOURED collection that captures my love for colors with vibrant enamels.
- The RAW ELEGANCE collection that utilizes raw gemstone nuggets and resin for a unique looking design.
Not to forget, my AVATAR bracelets will also be launched at the event.
What is a typical working day like?
It starts with me sauntering into the studio at about 4.30 am. Then, I am in the studio till about 6.30 am after which the next hour goes in getting ready for the day, getting my son off to school and my hubby off to office. Then, its back to the studio again.
My studio is my haven and I spend most of the day there. I have different work areas for different processes and I spend the day moving around completing orders, coming up with new designs, trying new techniques or organizing the studio. I am quite the organizing freak and spend quite a bit of time making sure that everything has a home that it actually gets back to. I also try to make sure that I learn something new every single day.
My working day ends when my son comes back from school. However, with my studio being so accessible, I do end up sneaking into the studio when my son is not around 🙂
What is your favorite work tool?
That’s a tough one. I have many. However, if I have to pick one, I think it would be my set of pliers. They are the simplest of tools but what you can create with them and a roll of wire is nothing short of magic.
Any design story you would like to share?
I would like to share about my latest custom order. A friend of mine reached out to me to create a pendant for her that would represent her sign Sagittarius… she wanted something with a wolf, flames or eagle. It was very evocative and almost immediately I started rendering. Came up with a design of a howling wolf with a flame tattoo. The design took a life of its own and I could not stop working on the design. I hand pierced the design, added resin to the flames and in just a couple of days, the pendant was ready. I still remember the absolute joy in my friend’s voice on receiving the pendant which she never takes off and it was one of those moments that I will forever hold close.
Meet the Maker @
By Hand From The Heart Makers Market 24th Edition
Friday – Saturday
24th – 25th August, 2018
10:00 a.m to 8:00 p.m
Crowne Plaza Chennai Adyar Park, (old Adyar Gate Hotel)
132, T.T.K Road, Alwarpet, Chennai – 600018, India.
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