If you visit Fly frequently you've probably seen Elva Fields jewelry featured on quite a few posts. The line, created by designer Emily Wheat Maynard, is a colorful collection of beautiful statement pieces in the forms of necklaces and earrings. Emily incorporates vintage finds and antique treasures to make her one-of a kind accessories.
As you know, I LOVE color and I love that Emily is not afraid to use bold hues in her designs. So I was curious to know more about Emily and her inspirations. Today, she invites us to take a peek inside her workspace and shares what inspires her.
You use a lot of color in your pieces. What references do you use for your rich palettes?
I've always been drawn to color, and I think it has largely to do with my grandmother and mother. My grandmother (for whom the June line is named) has never worn black in her entire life. She and my grandfather were the most colorful couple at every occasion — he in madras plaid sport coats and pink trousers, she in sun-drenched suits. She is still known for her vibrant wardrobe (truly the brightest closet I've ever seen). My mother is an artist, and her creations are always saturated in brilliant hues and swathes of gorgeous, vivid colors. I feel certain family is my reference for the fun colors seen in Elva Fields designs.
What's your favorite item/thing in your workspace? and why?
Hands-down, the sofa! It was originally my great-grandmother's (Elva Fields!) and sat on the sun porch of their farm. My mother painted it chocolate brown and had the cushions and pillows recovered in great green and fun brown and white Sunbrella fabrics, our signature colors AND perfectly functional. It is at once comforting, encouraging, and meaningful to have that bit of history in the studio with us. Like the vintage materials in our jewelry, it's important to give old designs new life.
How do you collect and keep your inspiration?
Anytime I feel the need for inspiration, I know there are two things I can do: flip through one of my jewelry reference books (I've been slowly compiling a library of jewelry publications since graduate school) or head to a flea market or antique shop. Beautiful photographs of jewelry, and the thrill of the hunt for some great vintage pieces never fail to get my creative juices flowing.
Check out the new Elva Fields website, loaded with new goodies.
photos by Emily Wheat Maynard
