Artist Interview : Cheek Pinchy
Kirsten Turnbull is the creative Auckland artist behind Cheek Pinchy jewellery. A regular at many of the Auckland markets, her work is unquestionably unique and one of a kind with plenty of her pieces one off's that can't be reproduced. Her work includes brooches, earrings, necklaces, wristbands and art-cards. We are really thrilled to have her join us for the first Fair!
How long have you been creating jewellery? From an early age I was under the impression the only folk who were creative could draw a perfect horse out of their heads. Therefore , I lived lots of my life believing I didn't have a creative bone in my body! I've attempted assorted small projects over time but never with much success. I certainly had no aim that other folks would see them let alone want to own any! Ideas have always bubbled about in me though which was about two years ago that I started the beginnings of Cheek Pinchy. Was just the appropriate time I assume!
How did Cheek Pinchy jewellery start? It was about 2 years back when I was full time at home with my gorgeous child and I actually wished to have a creative outlet. I had been collecting vintage fabric and bits for years and thought I would like to have a go at sewing but my skills are VERY limited! I was finding it too maddening and realized my passion lay with putting color and pattern together instead of with stitching. The concept to start one off collage cards using vintage pictures was born! Within a few months Toggle had started selling the cards and Esther Lamb encouraged me into the market scene. Over the past 2 years I have experimented with all kinds of projects including wall blocks and snow globes and now have a full Jewelry range. I wouldn't have believed two years back that I would be doing what I do now! It has certainly been a private expansion journey and I'm slowly getting over my bashfulness and underconfidence!
Describe what you create? The majority of what I create now is the Cheek pinchy Jewelry range. It is a full range that includes brooches, rings, earrings, necklaces and bands. The pictures all originate from vintage books and have been set onto a beech plywood base. I have a choice of jewelry that utilises limited numbered reproduction photographs and also some one off items. The newest reproduction range is made of generally bird, floral and botanical pictures. When I get time I adore continuing to create one off cards and wall blocks in a collage style.
What inspires you? I'm galvanized by the support of my folks, the splendor of creation and the result of my granny who always talked about the 1950's and 60's as 'the golden years '. I have got a love of all things vintage and a specific obsession with all things related to deer, birds, army and nautical themes! I am also galvanized by color mixtures and the way that different colors stimulate strong emotional reaction in folk.
What are your favorite materials to use? Why are they your fave? My favorite material to use is vintage books especially children's books. I adore opening them up to discover the decayed, earthy smells, the yellowed and stained pages, the front cover inscriptions and 'extra ' illustrations their kid owners have given them over time.
What would you say is your biggest attainment to date? I suspect the last few years have seen my biggest achievements that being tackling the task of motherhood, coming to terms with issues of my very own childhood and following my passions through creating Cheek Pinchy. Apart from all that I was a bit of a whizz at jazzercise in the 80's. Complete along with my hot pink lycra tights, leotard and leg warmers, I was a force to be reckoned with!
Have you got any future plans for your jewellery? I find making future plans for Cheek Pinchy a little frightening as I'm astonished by what's happened in the last few years already. I definitely have other product concepts bobbing around but am going to let things grow organically at this point.
Where are your favourite places online? I expert all over the place online principally blog jumping but I usually check in on the most recent strategies on Post Secret and captivating finds on Etsy.
What type of music do you like listening to while you work, if any? I have got a very eclectic musical taste but my favorite music to work to is super kitsch 80's pop! Nothing really gets you going like Spandau ballet, Wham!, Cyndi Lauper, David Bowie, Culture Club, Duran Duran...did I say Jazzercise earlier.. ?
Buy Cheek Pinchy Jewellery on Toggle.
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