Joy Junket

 An exclusive Interview with one of Oprah’s favorite jewelry designers, John Wind!

 We are so fortunate to be joined today at Joy Junket by a jewelry designer who we have admired for several years John Wind of Maximal Art. His work has been featured in Oprah (favorite things!), Country Living and InStyle! Sarah first saw his designs in the premier edition of Tracy Porter’s catalog and has been a fan ever since! What we love is the Vintage feel, the heavy weight/well made nature of each piece and the whimsy that John brings into his work!   He puts a special twist on a simple string of pearls- it feels classic yet new and unusual.  Sarah always gets compliments when donning one of his “puff ball” pearl necklaces or his unique and fabulous charm bracelets.

 

Here at Joy Junket we are always curious about what inspires people, what they love and how they stay true to their own style. Also- we know that when you are a creative person and doing it as your “business/career” it can be challenging to stay true to your creative heart- when designing products for others! So we asked John a few questions and he GRACIOUSLY answered…..Enjoy!

joy junket: We have are in the business of being creative as our livelihood as you are- we are curious what do you do to nurture yourself as an Artist?

john wind: I AM INSPIRED BY FINE ART, SO I’M CONSTANTLY GOING TO MUSEUMS AND GALLERIES.

I ADORE FLEA MARKETING, AND A SUNDAY MORNING STROLL THROUGH A FLEA UPLIFTS ME, RESULTS IN PAGES OF IDEAS, SKETCHES, NOTES, AND VINTAGE PIECES TO EITHER INSPIRE SOMETHING NEW OR TO CAST AND REPRODUCE FOR USE IN A NEW DESIGN.

 FASHION MAGAZINES INSPIRE ME (FAVORITE: BRITISH VOGUE), INTERIOR DESIGN MAGAZINES TOO (FAVORITES: WORLD OF INTERIORS AND ELLE DÉCOR)

joy junket: We believe its important to stay true to your authentic self- doing what brings you joy-? Can you tell us about one of your favorite projects/creations and why it brought you such pleasure?

john wind:    THE LAUNCH OF THE JOHN WIND SIGNATURE COLLECTION (in 2004)  WAS A GREAT MOMENT. AFTER YEARS OF FOCUSING ON THE GIFT AND SEASONAL SIDE OF OUR BUSINESS, FASHION’S RETURN TO MAXIMALISM GAVE ME THE OPPORTUNITY TO REALLY EXPRESS MYSELF AND THE MORE EXTRAVAGENT AND ARTISTIC SIDE OF MY PERSONALITY. THAT IN TURN INSPIRED THE GIFT SIDE OF OUR COMPANY, GIVING MAXIMAL ART MORE STYLE AND VERVE TOO!

joy junket: What do you hope and dream that your work will produce- or in other words what legacy do you want to leave?

john wind: EVERYTHING WE DO IS ABOUT GIVING PEOPLE PLEASURE. MY HOPE IS THAT OUR JEWELRY WILL BE WORN, ENJOYED, SHARED, AND RESULT IN GOOD TIMES AND GOOD MEMORIES. DOWN THE ROAD, BECOMING PART OF THE GREAT TRADITION OF FASHION JEWELRY IN THE SPIRIT OF MIRIAM HASKELL WOULD BE A DREAM COME TRUE.

joy junket: What advice do you have to give to an artist who is starting out and hopes to be successful as an entrepreneur selling his or her creations?

john wind: FIRST OF ALL, DON’T BE AFRAID OF TAKING RISKS AND TAPPING IN TO A REALLY PERSONAL PLACE. CREATIVITY, ORIGINALITY, AND UNIQUENESS ARE SO IMPORTANT TO STAND OUT.
THEN PUT IT OUT THERE—DO LOCAL SHOWS, OFFER STORES WORK ON CONSIGNMENT, WEAR YOUR ART, GIVE IT TO FRIENDS, INVITE PEOPLE FOR STUDIO VISITS.. IT’S ALL ABOUT EXPOSURE.

Thank you John and AMEN!  Do what YOU do and it will shine because there is only one YOU! 

 Check out all of John’s wonderful pieces at his site by clicking here!   Also-  Wondering how to style yourself and how to use jewelry to create a look that is unique and fabulous???  We love SHEER ADDICTION’S website for ideas and inspiration-  we are big fans and will profile Tamara in the future.