Julie Cohn Design

Bio

Educated as a painter and printmaker I studied the craft of bookbinding and box making to house my fine art prints. That one skill became my first career and business: Two Women Boxing.  From there I followed a diverse design path that included dinnerware, textiles, rugs, wall covering, collaborations with architects and public art. All my creative endeavors have come together to form my unique vision and aesthetic, characterized by the tension between rough and refined, primitive and modern; ultimately paring things down to their essence.

As a self-taught jeweler my approach is unconventional in process and begins with making rather than sketching a preconceived idea. Influenced by 20th century artists Ellsworth Kelly, Barbara Hepworth, Brancusi and many others, my inspiration is drawn from art, nature and primitive ethnic form and crafts. My pieces are about possibilities for layering and stacking to create one-of-a-kind collages or small sculptures that uniquely juxtapose disparate elements with simple elegance.

Throughout my career I have mentored younger artists to see the possibilities of parlaying their talents into art-centric careers. Working together they learn the complexities of making products by hand, collaborate in the artistic process, and observe the trials and tribulations of bringing handmade products to the marketplace. My goal is to inspire young artists to learn how to connect the dots, take forks in the road and use their skills to create an artful life.

Sustainability

Julie works with Brass, which does not embody the same heavy energy load of precious metals. She also works with either lab made stones (cubic zirconia), or found objects, both which are less harmful to the environment than mined gemstones.