When dressing for an elegant night on the town, many people would avoid wearing heavy chains, scows, or thick wires. That’s because they haven’t seen Martine Ali’s jewelry designs. This self-taught jeweler’s delicate use of harsh materials like nuts and bolts creates surprisingly refined bracelets and necklaces. And the raw appearance of her pieces add the perfect edge to any outfit. Learn more about this precious jeweler in her 10 ANSWERS below.
1. How would you describe your work in three words?
Raw yet refined.
2. Who is your creative role model?
Dali. There’s nothing like being exposed to the depths of someone’s very weird subconscious. He makes me want to dig deeper.
3. If you had an extra hour each day what would you do with it?
Nothing….I believe it’s healthy to be bored. My most genius moments come out of boredom.
4. What place in the world most inspires you and why?
Home. There’s something about feeling safe, comfortable, and secure that allows creativity to flow out. And of course, New York. The energy, the weirdos, the creativity, individuality, and endless possibilities. It’s all truly awe inspiring.
5. If you could do a different job for a day what would it be and why?
An Interior Designer. I think designing an interior environment is really the most all encompassing form of design. Our lives are greatly affected by the spaces in which we live, work, and experience. Interior designers have the ability to mold environments and subsequently our lives.
6. What is your favorite homemade gift to give?
A one-off. Whether it be a photograph, piece of artwork, or a one-of-a-kind piece of jewelry. Giving someone ‘the only one’ feels like giving them a piece of your soul. It represents a moment in time, a mood, and a place that may never exist again.
7. What is your favorite object in your home?
My bookshelf. The worlds of information it holds, the beauty of the actual books themselves, and how they fill my apartment with an air of intellect- it’s definitely the most intellectual accessory I have in my home.
8. What is the best advice you’ve ever received?
Follow your heart. As simple as this seems, it becomes increasingly difficult as we mature. We all already know much of what we hope to understand- its allowing ourselves to realize this that is the real challenge.
9. What websites do you use for inspiration?
I look at what feels like a million blogs a day…currently my favorite is frou frouu. I’m also really inspired by unique individuals and their personal style, so when I’m in the mood I look at StyleLikeU.
10. When do you consider a piece of your work complete?
There really isn’t much considering…it’s more like a feeling. There is something intuitive in what I do, and knowing when to stop is a natural occurance.
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