MARISA YOULDEN JEWELRY & PHOTOGRAPHY
Interview
conducted by Aaron B Jackson
Who are your main influences as an artist?
My mother was my first influence. I grew up watching her design jewelry in lost wax sculpting. She taught me about stones. But my style is a result of my passion for tribal jewelry and beadwork. It started out w/ Native American beadwork and then it quickly spread to pouring over as many books of different tribal cultures all over the world and discovering their styles and methods of jewelry design.
How would you describe your art and style?
A Modern Primitive Blend of Tribal Costume mixed with Couture High End sensibility resulting in exotic personal pieces of jewelry. They are Tribal and Tough, but they are Elegant and Precious at the same time.
What celebrity have you been the most excited to outfit in your jewelry?
Shakira by far was the most exciting celeb to have costumed. She Rocked that jewelry like it was meant to be Rocked!
What similarities and differences do you find between the San Francisco and Los Angeles artistic communities?
Similarities ... Hmmmn.... We are similar , but we are different! I find SF a little more on the organic side of things which I really LOVE. LA is such a melting pot, anything goes in this place! LA is the land of Opportunity. I have never experienced such a positive level of financial opportunity for artists anywhere like LA. LA is built on Dreams and I am a DREAMER! San Francisco is a DREAM come true and I could never live without SF!!!! They're just different.
What are some upcoming projects that you have planned?
I am working on a costume right now which is sort of a replica of the costume Aaliyah wore in Queen of The Damned . I have always wanted to do this costume. I love that movie! It is unusual for me to recreate someone elses design, but for this I made an exception! I hope to be working on films and music videos this year. That is my dream. That is why I came to LA! I think this is the year!!!!
About how long does it take you to create one of your jewelry pieces?
Anywhere from a week to 2 months depending on the intricacy of the piece.
Who have you worked with as a fashion photographer?
All of my fashion photography has been for my own work at this point. I don't think I have time to do anyone elses. I like the creative control of designing the shoots from top to bottom! I usually do the hair and makeup as well as the styling and the photography/lighting etc... It's a lot... I'm a "hands on" kinda person. I can't help it! The end results are usually pretty decent. But, it's "all in the journey" you know. I love photography! The learning and creativity is endless!
You have worked with fellow diva Tiffa Novoa. How did the two of you first begin to collaborate?
Tiffa and I have been working together for 7 years I think. We started designing our costumes as Fire performers in El Circo. That lead to designing everyone elses costumes in El Circo and then you know... Everyone elses...... etc... It's been a fantastic trip. I love Tiffa. She is definitely one of the biggest influences in my art career. She inspires me to push my own limits. We have a pretty insane symbiotic connection through our art together. I don't think there's another soul out there that I will ever have that kind of connection with. It's MAGIC!!!!!
Through what means would someone purchase your jewelry?
I have a studio in Los Angeles. You can reach me by phone 310-462-9973, or through my website: http://www.myspace.com/marisayouldenjewelry
What?s your favorite animal and why?
My Cat "Fiona Goldmember PootyTang!" Because she Rules the Animal Kingdom!!!!!! She's a fierce adorable feline! Meow!!!!!
