Interview with Barbara Campbell - talented jewelry designer from New York.

Barbara's designs have been described as "clean and contemporary," architecturally and naturally inspired," and evoking "more art than ornamentation." Yet the designer's message remains simple and elegant. She says with a smile, "You have to put meaning into your creations to make them special. That's what I do—I create from the heart and bring a feeling of love to my collections."

Barbara Campbell unique pieces are worn frequently by TV personalities Anchor, Sue Simmons of NBC Channel 4 News, Meteorologist Janice Huff of NBC Channel 4 News, Lori Stokes of ABC Eye Witness News, Rosanna Scotto, co-host of Good Day New York, Leigh Gallagher senior editor at FORTUNE Magazine and a regular contributor to business-news on Fox and celebrity make-up artist Mally Roncol of Mally Beauty.

1.   What first inspired you to become a jewelry designer? Were you always an artist, and how did you learn how to do what you do?

My Cuban born mother introduced me to fashion and style at a very early age. I trained as a tailor at FIT in NYC. I loved the lines of designs. I also trained as a wig maker and I am a licensed cosmetologist. I first became inspired to make jewelry while sitting on the front porch of a cabin overlooking Lake Dunmore in Middlebury Vermont. My mother-in-law introduced me to wire wrapping and beads and semi precious stones. A few months later I was walking the beaches of Montauk Long Island and started noticing these beautiful stones being washed up on the shore. I then started to wire wrap the stones and make necklaces and bracelets.

2.  Where do you get your inspiration?

My inspiration usually comes from the environment around me, whether it is the beaches of Montauk, the lakes of Vermont, the historic landmark brownstones of Park Slope in Brooklyn and it might sound funny but I get a lot of inspiration from my dreams!

3. What is your design process?

My process involves sketches, and experimenting with the various materials I use. Semi-precious stones, leather, gold filled wire, sterling silver which are my favorites .

4. What have been some of your favorite jewelry pieces you've created and why?

All of my designs are my favorites. The hardest part of selling my designs is letting them go. My first piece in my Simple and Elegant collections, Lucky Six Necklace, certainly deserves mention As does Black Luna and BC Leather Classic Bracelets.  My collections include Glam Rock and Industrial Revolution along with Simple and Elegant

1. Lucky Six Necklace

2. Black Luna

3. BC Leather Classic Bracelets

5. I've always believed in the idea “Do what you love and the money will follow." Do you enjoy doing work that brings beauty into people's lives?

I love designing and making my jewelry! If someone else also likes the designs, it makes it feel even better. And when someone likes my designs so much that they wish to purchase them, my artistic urgings are satisfied.

6. What gives you the most pleasure in your career as a jewelry designer?

The pleasure comes from owning my own small business that allows me to be an entrepreneur as well as an artist creating innovative designs for women and men.

7. Who are your favorite artists?

I love music; most recently I have been enjoying the sounds of Bob Marley. My tastes are varied, from Celia Cruz and Tito Puente to Van Morrison and Bob Dylan and the Beatles to Yo Yo Ma I love them all! They bring out the best moods in me!!!

8. What do you do when you’re not working?

It's interesting that you ask what I do when I am not working. I am always doing things that enhance my craft, even though I would not consider it work. When we go for a walk around Prospect Park in Brooklyn, I notice the trees, the historic, landmark buildings, the people; they all give me inspiration for my next design. When we have dinner at a beautiful restaurant, I notice the people around me, what they are wearing, what they are talking about. Somehow it works itself into my design process. I love reading all of the "pop" and fashion magazines; it relaxes me, and connects me to the work! I love going to hear live music, jazz, rock, salsa. The rhythms always inspire me always!

9. What is your favorite place in NYC and why?

I have many favorite places in New York City, it is such a vibrant and exciting place. Every neighborhood offers something different, creates its own unique "vibe". But I guess my two favorite neighborhoods are tri-beca and West 57th Street near Central Park South. Tri-beca for its grittiness and bohemian feel, and 57th Street for its elegance.

10. What are your beauty must-haves?

My beauty must haves are Lip-gloss w/lipstick and I can live with out products with zinc.

11. Coffee or tea?

I drink herbal teas of all sorts’ especially decaf Green tea!!!

12. iPhone or BlackBerry ?

I own a Blackberry, but I yearn for the I Phone (when it comes to Verizon I’ll sign up for the I Phone!)

13. What is your motto?

My motto, is from my mother, simple and elegant, and designs for women and men who set trends, not follow them.

14. Your future plans?

The future is wide open and exciting. I feel the sky is the limit. I have just begun to expand my studio and have been exploring different techniques and materials for my next collection. Branding, Branding and Branding I love to get the word out about my Brand- Barbara Campbell Accessories!  I also see in the near future design a hair accessories line.

www.barbaracampbellnyc.com

Thanks Barbara !

Interviewed by Ilona Lee