Go Local: Rebecca Mir Grady

We are so excited to bring back our Go Local series! If you are just tuning in, here at P.S. Truly Yours we LOVE local. All things local all the live long day. On this very special day we bring you the amazing talent of local jeweler Rebecca Mir Grady. Her Spring/Summer 2014 collection, "TRACKS", is here and we were so excited to get our hands on it (more like to get it on our hands... tee he he) After 8 years as a metalsmith, Rebecca launched her eponymous brand in the fall of 2013. Originally from Alaska and raised in Maine, she continued her trend of cold climate living and moved to Chiberia where she studied design and sculpture at the School of the Art Institute.

With a passion for sustainability, equality and pure artistry, Rebecca created "TRACKS", her second collection, which features fifty pieces that are handcrafted from sterling silver and 14k gold. We were lucky enough to style up these beautiful pieces and get an exclusive interview with our new favorite indie designer. Read on to see our looks and learn more about this local entrepreneur, craftsman, and true talent.

What/who inspires you?

This collection is inspired to two journey's: my own travels to a remote island in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, and Robyn Davidson’s risky 1700-mile trek by camel across the Australian desert in 1977. I had just re-read “Tracks”, Davidson’s account of her trip across the desert of Western Australia. I also have a beautiful book of photographs of the trip called “From Alice to Ocean” by Rick Smolan, who photographed Davidson’s trip for National Geographic - those pictures really stay with you. I started sketching out the collection on a small island in the UP, close to the Canadian border, and I kept thinking about the similarities in isolation and incredible natural beauty. So the two places became entwined for me, and the drawings of both in my sketchbook became the collection “TRACKS”.

How is your personal style reflected in the jewelry you make?

The jewelry is made to be worn with everything – dressed up or down. I work with my hands, and bike for transportation most of the year, so I'm pretty demanding of my jewelry. I like simple lines, which comes partly from my drawing style.

 

What is your favorite piece in the collection and why?

I have tons of favorites in the new collection, it's so hard to choose – I'm wearing the Davidson 12mm cuff ring right now, stacked with a 14k Yellow Gold Thetis band. I love the McLeod 6mm ring, and the Ayers rings, especially the 17mm tapered ring. And the McLeod wrap ring! Can you tell I play favorites with rings?

What is your creative design process?

I like to sketch pieces out ahead of time, on notecards and I'll tack them up on my bulletin boards with magazine tears and postcards. I'll start out making one or two pieces and then gradually add more drawings and more jewelry until the collection feels rounded out.

What motivated you to put such an emphasis on sustainability throughout your collections?

I've always held a sense of awe and respect for the natural world in my art and design work. I held off on launching my line until I knew that I could source recycled materials for the jewelry because I wanted the methods and materials of the jewelry making to have a direct correlation to the inspiration behind the pieces.

When you aren't making fabulous jewelry, how do you like to spend your time?

I also make comics and I have an ongoing zine project called SHE IS RESTLESS that I just debuted vol. 6 + 7 of at Chicago Zine Fest last weekend.

What advice do you have for aspiring small business entrepreneurs like yourself?

Make a quality product, or service, take great photographs and tell your story. 

 

Isn't she amazing?? To learn more about Rebecca and to purchase pieces from "TRACKS" go to www.rebeccamirgrady.com

Samantha's look:Ayers ring / Macha necklace

Bri's look: McLeod bracelet / Davidson ring / Alice earrings

Truly yours, 

 P.S. "I'm a big fan of small business ownership. I think it's the backbone of American innovation. But to be successful, you first have to have the courage to go for it." - Bill Rancic