Science fiction, mythology, tribalism, futurism and ancient ruins combine in Carly Margolis’s beautiful handcrafted jewelry, a line called All For The Mountain. Now, the talented artist and designer is opening up her studio space in Venice to build a community artist collective called the ‘Sacred Door‘, which will host a variety of yoga, art and meditation workshops, art shows, and more. Carly answered some Q’s for CULT about her new space and the excitement ahead. Check out some of her swoon-worthy jewelry, and don’t miss out on the fun at the Sacred Door! Deets below.
THE CULT: When and how did you start making jewelry?
Carly Margolis: It’s funny, I’ve never worn jewelry or had plans to design it, but 4 years ago I moved upstate New York and spent a few months in a cabin making art and recording music with my boyfriend. There was no one around and lots of time. I began carving in wax, which lead to my first collection of jewelry – The Sacred Mountain collection. I’ve loved creating a narrative with each collection, and the process of working in wax and metal, but the fashion calendar has sucked a lot of that passion out of me so I am focusing more on bronze sculptural hardware, one of a kind pieces of jewelry, and painting now.
THE CULT: Where do you find inspiration for your collections as well as your art? Does it come from the same places or different ones?
Carly Margolis: Inspiration is everywhere. The connection sneaks up and then reminds me of everything – all at once.
THE CULT: What’s your favorite piece of jewelry that you own?
Carly Margolis: I only wear 2 rings everyday – my engagement ring and my ‘palace brick ring’. I feel a deep connection to the Mothership collection I made in honor of all the powerful ladies and mothers in my life.
THE CULT: Who are some of the artists that most inspire you?
Carly Margolis: I go deep with Pedro Friedeberg, Emma Kunz. And on a daily basis my fiance Matthew.
THE CULT: Between AFTM & TSD you are one busy bee, how do you keep yourself healthy and sane?
Carly Margolis: Yoga and meditation are key. A good soundtrack playing. And getting in bed by 10 as much as possible!
THE CULT: Tell us about your amazing new gallery space, the Sacred Door.
Carly Margolis: The Sacred Door is a new passion projects that I started to help create a community. I never intended to own a gallery – in fact, the art world in the past has either intimidated or disturbed me. But lately I’ve had a lot of energy and I really wanted to make a shift into a new realm where I could help others. I spent the past few years exploring different ideas, and even went back to school for psychology, but I kept putting one foot in front of other until it suddenly dawned on me that perhaps I could use the excess energy that I’ve come into by promoting others who are an inspiration. The Sacred Door gallery exhibits art and music that explore cosmic mysteries, mythology, spirit, love, friendship, and high-craft. The intention is for the space to have a life of its own with a unique identity that evolves organically over time. Rather than choosing pre-existing work, each group show will exhibit new work that was created for and inspired by a specific theme. The magic and meaning surface when relationships are made between works pulled from the collective consciousness and unified in the space.
I opened the Sacred Door space with hopes to create a new collective narrative, and a community. I just moved to California after 11 years in New York so I also wanted to meet new people out here. If you build it, they will come. Furthermore, if it’s a door, and it’s sacred, things will begin to open. I plan on monthly group shows, workshops, live music, and yoga.
Don’t miss the Sacred Door’s first collage workshop hosted by NYC artist Caris Reid next Friday, February 22 from 7:30-9:30pm. The theme, “Animism” is in honor of the group show “Animate Objects” that is currently on display at the Sacred Door. The class will include a carefully curated selection of vintage magazines from the 60’s 70’s and 80’s, and all supplies are provided. Space is limited, so grab a seat before it sells out – tickets are available here.
WHAT:
Animism Collage Workshop Hosted by Caris Reid
WHEN:
February 22, 2013
7:30-9:30pm
WHERE:
The Sacred Door
2118 Lincoln Blvd
Los Angeles, CA 90291
Tickets: http://www.eventbrite.com/event/5504343640
Or, stop by the Sacred Door during gallery hours to see the current group exhibit, ‘Animate Objects’, featuring work by Jay Nelson, John Okulik, Matthew Morgan, and many others. Here’s a peek at some of the current works in the exhibit:
