Sunday, February 10, 2013

We make Portland awesome: LunaSol

"We make Portland awesome" is a weekly series. I’m interested building our community of artists by helping us all find out more about each other.
This week: Lindsey of LunaSol Designs


Who are you?
My name is Lindsey Alonzo and I am the designer behind the line, LunaSol.

What do you make?
I make ethnic inspired jewelry using brass, nickel, gemstones, leather & fabric. Most recently I have been trying to integrate my textiles background back into my work. When I was first starting out doing mostly bead work, I would incorporate hand dyed fabric scraps leftover from my college days into my pieces. When I started taking metals classes, I lost touch with those ideas and instead began focusing on different metal techniques. Now that I feel more comfortable with the metal work aspect of my craft, I'm working to bring color back into my pieces by using natural gemstones and dyed yarn and fabric.


Besides making things, what do you do?
When I am not making jewelry I like to read, practice yoga, play my clarinet, try new restaurants, hike and take as many weekend getaways as possible. I really try to take advantage of the natural beauty of the Pacific Northwest; especially in the winter. It helps me recharge and gather inspiration even when I am not necessarily in search of it. In the summertime you can find me swimming in rivers and jumping into waterfalls every chance I get.

What inspires you?
So much of the inspiration for my work comes from different tribes and cultures around the world. I love going to the library and immersing myself in a specific culture. I am fascinated by Native American bead work and silversmithing techniques and the shapes and details of Berber and Tuareg jewelry. Fulani, Maasai, Turkoman and Mexican jewelry; I am obsessed with it all! I keep a photo journal of sorts with inspiring images on my blog: www.lunasoldesigns.tumblr.com


Where can your work be found?
My work can be found at lunasoldesigns.net, onnline at www.shop-summerland.com and www.nimli.com and at various boutiques around the U.S.

What do you love about Portland?
I am a mid-western girl who grew up on the plains of Kansas, so everything about living here is drastically different. I love that Portland is a big city but feels small with all the cute little pockets and neighborhoods. The restaurant scene is amazing and so too are the many things we have access to such as beaches, the ocean and the mountains. The art community is extremely supportive and there are so many talented makers here. It is very inspiring to witness and be a part of. If only Portland had more of those Midwestern thunderstorms, I think I could live here forever!

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