Bead Cafe’s Featured Designer Segment
Each day we have the opportunity to meet artisans from across the country creating local craft with beads. Every two weeks we will be including a Designer Segment in our Newsletter, Bead Scoop and will be posting in our Bead Board Blog to showcase our talented customers.
This week’s designer is Olivia Fern Armour Noel. Olivia is as beautiful as she creates with a bright smile and outlook on design. This creative artist shared with us her passion, style and motivation. Olivia comes from Santa Cruz, Trinidad and aspires to complete a degree in Psychology and eventually open a clinic for troubled and abused children and Teens. Olivia loves nature and travel photography.
‘I particularly like working with wire. I find this the least limiting… I can create abstract pieces and still include beads and other materials, especially buttons. I Like buttons…’- Olivia Fern Amour Noel
Olivia when did you become interested in jewellery making?
Since a very young age I’ve wanted to do so many things, creatively. Jewellery making is one of the many. I’ve always appreciated the makers of things, and i love making things. Jewellery and bag design are just my latest activities.
How did you develop your skills?
Trial, imagination, observation and practice. I’ve attempted a number of ideas but would often be unsatisfied with the results because they didn’t fully simulate what I had in mind. I’m my own worst critic, so I signed up for a course in Jewellery Design where I’m learning many different and helpful techniques. It’s enlightening!
What is your specialty and favorite material?
Though specializing in a particular area of jewellery-making could produce some amazing pieces, I prefer to create a variety of things. I particularly like working with wire. I find this the least limiting… I can create abstract pieces and still include beads and other materials, especially buttons. I like buttons!
How would you define your style?
Curious or whimsical, maybe!
What sparks your creativity and keeps you motivated?
Strange, interesting and aesthetic objects, artistic details and sensational colours.
What are some of the challenges faced as an up and coming designer?
Unavailability of materials that is reliable and uncommon. There are only a few good suppliers, locally, so when buying local, we all shop in the same places. Sometimes I feel like I’m looking for something… I’ll know it when I see it… But I also know that I’ll never find it, bizarre!, Olivia exclaims.
Could you share how Bead Cafe has opened up new opportunities for the local jewellery market?
Bead Cafe is one of the few places that local jewellery designers can source materials, locally. There’s a wide selection of tools, books, beautiful beads, quality findings, containers, even… But it’s not just a store! They deliver too and they go beyond “here’s your order, have a good day!” There is always a workshop or workshops in progress, in a number of areas of jewellery design and craft. Though I haven’t been free to join any, I love the fact that the suppliers of jewellery making materials also offer workshops! It’s brilliant! And you have to appreciate the friendliness and professionalism of the Bead Cafe Family. From their interest in creating so many avenues for connections with customers through Facebook, Twitter, their Bead Scoop newsletters, Blog, and user-friendly website, they clearly put so much thought in what they do and the service, or rather experience they give. I think they help local jewellery designers to be creative and express themselves in so many ways.
Are you working on any projects presently and if so, could you share some insight?
I’ve been regularly buying materials without the time to work with any. My duties as manager of Moksha Yoga Trinidad kept me busy. I only recently had time to work on pieces so I now have a number of disconnected pieces. I’m trying to create a collection of various categorical things; a series of earrings and bracelets using buttons, and other objects as well as handbags using ties and decorated with abstract shapes, paintings and peculiarities. On completion, I plan to go beyond sharing my work with just friends and affiliates; I’ll be introducing the public to “Aya Impression“; the name of my newly registered business. Aya (African) is an ancient Adinkra symbol for the ‘fern’ which is my middle name. I am as complex as my creations, so it is fitting… The symbol represents fearlessness, defiance, endurance, perseverance, independence and resourcefulness.
What is one thing you hope to accomplish as a Designer?
Generally, more promotion, appreciation and interest in locally made jewellery.
Do you think Jewellery Making can be a thriving business in Trinidad and Tobago?
Of course! It’s quite competitive. There is so much creativity. So much depends on one’s determination, the availability, marketing and distinctiveness of the product, an understanding of the individualistic tastes or preferences of the clientele, and in some cases an accommodation, if not appreciation, of trends.
What advice would you share with artisans now starting?
Practice, practice, practice. And dare to be different.
We thank Olivia for sharing and wish her success. We look forward to the launch of Aya by Olivia Fern Armour Noel!
Interview by
Tameika Fletcher-Birmingham, Bead Cafe
All photos courtesy Olivia Fern Armour Noel and may not be reproduced with the permission of the Artist.
Bead Board 