What do you get when you mix 20 years of dancing with the expertise of a metalsmith? You get jewelry so fluid and captivating, it could only be created by a lifelong student of movement. Looking at Emilie Shapiro’s jewelry is like looking at treasure from another era. Every iteration has a touch of magic from the amorphous casting of the metal to the rough quality of the stones. I first featured Emilie’s Mosaic V Pendant necklace on the blog last year and she’s been one of my favorite artists since.
Fun facts about Emilie include her near-obsession with aquamarine because of it’s raw and elemental energy. Being largely inspired by water, aquamarine truly resonates with her because it evokes the textures, hues, and feelings of the sea.
In the media lately, white allyship has been a touchy subject. Many people believe that conversations and initiatives surrounding race should be led solely by BIPOC. It’s my personal opinion that white supremacist thinking isn’t a Black issue that needs to be sympathized with, but a white issue that needs to be both internally and externally addressed.
Apparently, Emilie and I were on the same wavelength because she took it upon herself to launch a mentorship program for Black jewelry students last month. Her Jewelers Mentorship Program was created after deeply contemplating her privilege and making note of the lack of inclusivity and diversity at trade shows. She pledged to establish a relationship with a new mentee every 6 months and to continue the program throughout her career. It is actions like these that we need to see allies taking to show true support for the continued challenges that Black people face in America.
We talked about everything from motivational speakers to the pandemic, I hope you enjoy this interview as much as I did!
Amiah Taylor: What are your feelings on the #BlackLivesMatter Movement?
Emilie Shapiro: I am in full support and solidarity with the Black Lives Matter movement. I can feel the tides turning, not just in the world but in myself. As a white woman who was raised by liberal parents in NY, I’ve always considered myself an ally without a racist bone in my body. Like so many others, I’m realizing for the first time in my life that’s not true. I’ve been looking back at things that I was taught growing up, in school and simply ingrained in our system, and am realizing for the first time we were not shown the whole picture. I’ve been focusing on educating myself, learning how to educate my son, and having conversations with friends and family that honestly we would have never had before. Not because we weren’t interested or didn’t believe that black people are not treated equally or given equal opportunity, but because we didn’t feel like it was our place to talk about. I realize now that’s wrong. We have to talk, and we have to fight for change – that’s our privilege. We need to make space, make noise, and make some changes!
AT: You’ve said all of your pieces are just extensions of your soul, how do you deal with the vulnerability of creating pieces that deeply reflect the self?
ES: It’s really all I know how to do. I’m much more vulnerable doing other things I don’t feel confident in – like speaking on camera, math, and baking. I think when you’re comfortable with a skill or medium it gives you the freedom to just do you.
AT: What draws you to brass as a medium?
ES: I love working with brass so I can be big and bold with it. I love the color and I love the resistance it gives when working with it.
AT: When you have low-energy days or days where you feel drained, do you have favorite motivational speakers that you use to lift your spirits?
ES: I really love listening to Kurt Elster; he’s a marketing genius and is passionate about entrepreneurship and creativity. After I listen to his podcast I always feel energized about my business.
AT: You were able to help donate nearly 50 masks to frontline emergency workers at NYU Langone Hospital in NYC. In what ways has the pandemic changed your daily perspective?
ES: I was really excited to be able to donate masks to NYU Langone hospital workers here in NYC. It’s something we wear every day in my studio, and never in a million years would I have thought how coveted they would be. The pandemic has taught me a lot of things, but mostly to slow down, to not take advantage of the small moments and how lucky I am to have my family, health, food on my table and a roof over my head.
AT: Many people may not know that as well as being a mom and business owner, you are also an author. What was your process for writing How To Create Your Own Jewelry Line and how was that project different from your second book Creative Wax Carving?
ES: The process of writing both of my books was really difficult at the beginning. Taking lessons I had taught to students in person for years and trying to translate it to paper. How to Create Your Own Jewelry Line began to pour out of me once I got started, trying to break down all of the things I’ve learned over the years, lessons I’ve learned from mistakes, and things I wish I would have known when I got started. Creative Wax Carving was a whole other challenge because I had to figure out how to explain a physical, tangible skill with words. Breaking down the lessons in the book was really fun. I am really proud of those books and to be able to share lessons with people around the globe that feel accessible.
Photo Credit: Emilie Shapiro Jewelry
This is indeed a welcome return and feel good in one. Great jewelry and conversation. Good work AT.
I like the Echeveria ring. I love that Emilie launched a mentorship program for black jewelry students. Great article!