Andy Lifschutz talks ‘Nature Speaks’ and inspiration
It’s hard to miss Andy Lifschutz’s jewelry. His “Nature Speaks” line of rings, in brilliant hues and jaw-dropping raw cuts, look more like miniature rock formations than gems.
Inspired by nature and his Oregon upbringing, Lifschutz doesn’t find the parallel surprising. In fact, real rock formations really do inspire his designs.
“My biggest inspiration are the sandstone cliffs and the beaches on the island of Santorini,” he said. “I gained an appreciation of nature as a part of my upbringing.”
After years of studying in Portland and later at the Sterling Quest School in Mexico, a school known for training skilled artisans, Lifschutz started his line of necklaces and rings in 2009.
His first show was at the Ace Hotel in Portland in the fall of ’09, shortly after he was invited to Berlin Fashion Week and showed at Projekt Galerie.
“That’s when I decided it was the right time to move back to New York,” he said. “Things have been happening very fast since then.”
An interesting facet to Lifschutz’s line is that it diverges into two very distinct collections: necklaces and rings. From afar, one might guess different people made them, but upon closer inspection, the artisan metal work is unique to the New York-based designer.
Photography, courtesy of Rudolf Bekker
Lifschutz believes the two collections serve as a juxtaposition and necessary sense of exploration in his art. The necklaces are completely focused on metal work – the materials are industrial, raw and chunky. On the other hand (no pun intended), the stones are the focal point of his rings – gently resting on a metal base, tailored specifically for the feel and look of the stone.
“As far as my design influence, I feel like I need to be doing (both lines) in order to keep creativity at its peak and its top form,” he said. “If I just did one thing as a designer, I would just be bored.”
The Pacific Northwest native grew up with an interest in objects, collecting stones and coins as a toddler and later amassing tribal jewelry in his teens.
“I’ve been obsessed since I started,” he said. “I think it’s a healthy obsession because I enjoy what I’m doing immensely and seeing it out in the world.”
Lifschutz is currently working on new pieces, which he will debut on his website in the coming weeks. He wouldn’t say any names, but the designer insinuated he has something big coming up.
“Look out for big splash to happen in the fall,” he said. “I have a bunch of fancy friends here in New York that want to collaborate…”
For more information, visit his website at www.andylifschutz.com.
Photography, courtesy of Nialls Fallon
*Photograph of Andy Lifschutz courtesy, Rudolf Bekker & jewelry, Nialls Fallon.
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