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I was thumbing through a past edition of Ornament<\/a> magazine and found an ad that stopped me in my tracks. The ad showed a SIMPLY STUNNING gold cuff bracelet by designer Todd Reed, so I headed over to his website, http:\/\/www.toddreed.com\/<\/a> and was confronted by some of the most beautiful pieces I have ever seen. He specializes in creating pieces that incorporate raw diamonds for a beauty that stands alone.<\/div>\n

For all his success and artistry, Todd Reed is a self taught goldsmith and metalsmith–a fact I find astonishing just on its own. With so many tools and techniques, just how does one learn these skills by trial and error? Sheer brilliance is my guess. I started our interview by asking Todd about this…<\/p>\n

What challenges and benefits do you think you gained by “going it alone”?<\/p>\n

Information was difficult to get, so I learned everything alone. A benefit is that I never learned what not to do in art or business.<\/em><\/p>\n

You are perhaps best known for your use of raw diamonds. Where did this idea come from and why do you use this form of the diamond?<\/p>\n

This idea came from a need to push society into looking at value in a new way; to challenge current social norms.
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What does the raw diamond reveal that is different from the faceted version?<\/p>\n

Nature\u2019s version of perfection, beauty in a raw and innocent way. There are so many surfaces, colors, and textures that there are infinite examples of nature\u2019s limitless versions of perfection.<\/em><\/p>\n

How would you describe your style?<\/p>\n

Raw Elegance.<\/em><\/p>\n

Where do you find your inspiration?<\/p>\n

My natural environment and my market decide what will be made.
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I find your work beautifully subtle. What do you find most challenging about achieving this effect?<\/p>\n

The subtle nature of my work is the work; it must always be present. I have millions of ideas that will never be made. That is difficult.<\/em><\/p>\n

What is most challenging for you as an artist to also spend the time an energy necessary to make your work successful as a business?<\/p>\n

The most challenging thing is to mature and grow as a boss and business owner. Relationships alone need work and a growing company means adding and growing in relationship building. It is quite wonderful to have this challenge.
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You teach, create and show…what do you get from each of these aspects of your work?<\/p>\n

From teaching I get supporting community and giving to a healthy cause. Creating is what I call the \u201cguts\u201d, instilling to all happiness and joy and making the ideas. Showing is a culmination of efforts. The ultimate prize is the pride I get from taking our work to a show and selling it!<\/em><\/p>\n

What advise do you have for other jewelry designers and beginners?<\/p>\n

Go with passion.
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Todd’s work is in galleries throughout the country…his website lists them all—too many to list here. And, from his website, here’s some information about upcoming shows:<\/p>\n

We have a short, upcoming show at I. Gorman in Washington, DC, from March 21-22. The Smithsonian Craft Show is always a pleasure, too; it runs from April 10-14 at the National Gallery in Washington, D.C. We are getting pumped up for the Couture show in Las Vegas. Look for us there from May 28-June 2 at booth #216. If you are on the East Coast, visit us at the JANY Couture show this summer from July 27-30 at booth #140.<\/em><\/p>\n

I’m heading to NYC for a business trip, but I plan to stop by DVVS Fine Jewelry <\/a>in the Chelsea district to see some of Todd’s pieces up close. I noticed there are many other amazing jewelry artists at DVVS so look for some of of my favorites in future postings!<\/p>\n

Thanks for stopping by!<\/p>\n

Sally<\/div>\n<\/div>\n