jewellery provides the catalyst .
Through my traveling , I ’ ve developed relationships all over the world ; other cultures , nationalities encouraged me to trust , as far as business goes and to hold on when it ’ s tough knowing that it evolves .
It ’ s a spiritual journey without sitting in a meditation room . Don ’ t get me wrong , I love climbing the mountain to the ashram , but that ’ s not where the real learning happens . All of it ’ s intertwined – from the challenges of professional relationships to creating trade show displays in the wee hours to showcase my work , and covering expenses on top of it all ; every facet brings up all of life ’ s lessons right smack in the middle of my business . from not trying to do what others do , but by being true to who I am .
My work has been my best teacher … I ’ ve learned to never take a reaction to my art personally . I don ’ t create to fill a predictable niche . I create to sustain my love of the rich diversity in every part of the world
I ’ m not a purist – I love mixing different eras , different cultures and seemingly disparate materials to create unified pieces – pieces that give a voice to beauty in their unique way .
Any awards or accolades come from the fact that I surprise the artistic jury process – it shakes up artistic paradigms and invites people to break out of the predictable industry ’ s molds . Sometimes you have to smash the crate from the inside to discover the creative process .
What motivates you to keep going ? The materials I find always speak to me – they are my muse . Each piece I make comes with its own personal story . I consider myself very lucky : thinking up designs comes easily to me since I view each design is simply a story asking for the chance to be told .
I ’ ve always considered the next travel adventure a mandatory component for joy in my life . I have never shied away from
What ‘ rules ’ have you thrown off in order to be where you are ? I shed my 9-to-5 job so I can earn a living with my art . For years I was told it couldn ’ t be done . That it could only be a hobby , not a livelihood . But the greatest success comes
“ Don ’ t get me wrong , I love climbing the mountain to the ashram , but that ’ s not where the real learning happens .”
~ Sally Bass
ISSUE 2 : JAN - MAR 2017 19