Mara Friedland - Sponsor's Choice Winner - A Fly On The Wall’s Views and Reviews

I am so excited to post this informal chat with the lovely and talented, Mara Friedland.

Mara was my choice as the Sponsor Winner! I just received my necklace from Mara’s shop and I must admit it is just as beautiful in hand as the photos…now my chat with Mara!

Mara’s winning design was from her Language of Flowers series:

“This necklace says : I Love You. The central flower -a rose is a symbol of Love in the Victorian language of flowers.”

1. Tell me a little about you and what drew you to Jewelry Design?
Mara: Artist Statement: Adornment and plant life fascinates me. Throughout the world plant life, especially medicinal plants are highly valued. Flowers, specifically, reflect universality because across countries floral displays and bouquets are integral symbols for major life events. In my work, I enjoy creating jewelry that references both flowers and medicinal plants of the garden. The individual healing plants are replicated in the design of the pieces, with the plant life’s cultural significance embedded within.

In addition to the influence of plant life, I strive to clearly link my pieces to sculptural forms, making both the front and the back of the pieces equally important. Often the wearer has a treasure on the back, as well as what is shown to the viewer, providing the wearer a stronger connection to the piece.

Herbs, spices and medicinal plants are the talisman of cultures. The jewelry pieces referencing herbs have a strong connection to passions- for plants and for healing. Instead of simply serving as beautiful status symbols, the pieces serve as powerful external signs of personal expression. To best understand my pieces it is important to discover the historic and cultural roots of floral symbolism and healing plants.

I see my works as offering the viewer a close look into plants, focusing on the details of nature. When observing flowers and plants, the smallest features are some of the most fascinating and important to my work. For example the heart of the plant is its flower and reproductive organs are found in the small center of the flower. The ability to capture the essence of the plant is important to me and allows me to share a vital aspect with the wearer and the viewer of my jewelry.

2. OK this is the important part! Where can we find your goods online?
Mara: My jewelry may viewed and purchased through www.MaraFriedland.com and my etsy website: http://www.etsy.com/shop/MaraFriedland

3. Are you using Social Media? do you think it is beneficial? …and show us your Social links!
Mara: I actually do not use Twitter, (I am sure it has its benefits, although I just have not gotten into it) but do have a facebook fan page:

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Mara-Friedland-Jewelry-Designer-Metalsmith/206984256053444

4. I am personally loving the flash mob feel of CrowdJewels quickie Contests – what are your thoughts?
Mara: This was my first experience with Crowd Jewels, and I thought it was an exciting and great way to expose people to artists creating jewelry throughout the world. I am looking forward to participating in other events, and love checking out the associated blogs.

I can’t resist – I am showing off another piece from this unique series…

“This necklace says : Trust In Your Good Fortune ( and the good to come) The central flowers,
Freesia is a symbol of Trust and Apple Blossom is a symbol of Good Fortune and the
good to come in the Victorian language of flowers. The words of In and Your are represented
by faceted labradorite stones.”

5. As the Sponsor’s Favorite – I have to say I was enamored with the idea of using the “Language of Flowers” – what motivated you to choose this as a theme in your Jewelry?

Mara: Thank you! I have always had a bit of a fascination and passion for flowering plants. My thesis, “The Curative Bloom”, focused on the medicinal qualities of plants for healing properties. In my new body of work, I am enjoying the discovery of the emotional relationships that plants invoke. I have studied mythologies of flora and the Victorian Language of Flowers (each flower has a specific meaning- a bouquet could relay one’s affections). I love how my jewelry is able to allow others to share their emotions and thoughts in a “hidden manner”, speaking through the flowers.

So head over to Mara’s Website – Etsy Shop or Facebook page…and while you are there click “like”!