Meet Alice Son.
Alice handcrafts unique pieces that present an elegant combination of modern forms and traditional craft techniques, all molten into an object of personal adornment. Through reflection of her multicultural identity, Alice draws inspiration from across time and space; the rich history of people and communities, and shared humanity that affect our lives in different ways. From eponymous sculptures to meticulously set and engraved fine jewelry, she works from her San Francisco, California, studio with a passion for creating meaningful and heirloom worthy pieces.
- What is the best piece of advice you were given as an artist?
This is from a piece of paper I received while in college, I believe one of the teachers wrote it but cannot remember who to credit - but has been living in my head rent free since the first read:
CYCLE OF CREATION
Conception
This is the magic and inspirational glow of creative insight; the part that feels so out of control because it is something we can not demand but must always be awake to acknowledge. One must learn to pick the inspiration when it is ripe and this is where the sketch book comes in.Ideas are sight and time specific and the glow has a shelf life, but can be recreated if recorded.
Commitment
This takes courage. Making that creative insight become a reality is not always easy. This is where we design, plan and begin. Many insecurities come out at this point that were not anywhere nearby when the idea was conceived. Learn to work through these fears and focus on your developed vocabulary to express yourself.
Labor
Usually the best part and the part that keeps us coming back for more. This is where we experience the materials, make discoveries and listen to the process. We have overcome the hurdles of designing and the fears of beginning. We can now become immersed in the process and the materials. It is hard work and can be frustrating, but usually it is fulfilling as the piece's potential emerges and grows. Always remember that the conversation which is taking place in your mind is reflected into the piece through your hands.
Confrontation
This is actually finishing the work and confronting the reality of our abilities. It can be rewarding but almost always entails a degree of acceptance in our shortcomings. Just as in beginning the piece it took a certain focus, so it is in finishing. One learns to find that balance between working the piece to death and being too timid to realize its full potential. This is also when any design pitfalls become apparent and the task of learning to work through them becomes crucial. It takes practice, focus and courage to overcome these obstacles. It is easy to camouflage the fear of confrontation as a lack of desire. If you do not attempt to finish
- What are your favorite pieces from your personal collection?
Shoutout to Melissa Scoppa and her lovely Moon Phase collection, I gifted myself this bracelet for a big birthday and haven’t taken it off since. My everyday stack also includes: Kate Ellen via Crown Nine’s Wisteria Band, vintage platinum & diamond band, and a custom gold band designed and made by my boyfriend.
- What's currently on your studio playlist?
Soundtrack here.
- Who’s another artist (jeweler or otherwise) that you admire, and why?
Ooh there’s just so many!! I’ll keep it small and local to the Bay:
Troy Stafford @troy_stafford / wooden frame, furniture
Emily Parkinson @ekparkinson / illustration, textile
Medium Small @medium__small / furniture, lighting
Peeta Tinay @tinaystudio / basket weaving
Judy Leung @found.floralstudio / floral design
Michelle Nguyen @allthingsmeng / graphic design, sign painter
Biro & Sons, Inc. @biroandsons / silversmith
Nemo Gould @nemomatic / kinetic sculpture
Go checkout their work, all amazingly curated body of work and authentic in their own craft.
- Do you ever consider other career paths? In a parallel universe, what would you be doing if not making jewelry?
Always tinkered with the idea of studying industrial or furniture design in school but never had the opportunities nor time to dive into it. Jewelry was also more enticing medium to work with, the way metal can melt, bend, rip, soldered back together, and repeat. If I wasn’t making jewelry, I guess I’ll still be making something with my hands. It’s been a journey trying to find a hobby outside of jewelry, perhaps wood sculptures or tile mosaic? If you know a good one, let me know!
- Do you have any pets?
Yes!! Please see my chunky lady Evie, she also goes by Squirt McGirt / Stinkerbell / Squirrly. The most gentle and flobby gal, she loves people and loves to join in on good party conversations.
Shop Alice's collection here.
