Interview: Jill Platner on Her Homage to Beach Stones
The sculptor and jeweler talks to us about her latest collection
Jill Platner has long inspired us with her unique approach to translating inspirations from nature into wearable art. The proudly NYC-based sculptor and jeweler launched a new line this summer that moves nature from a reference to the center stage of her work. The Beach Stone collection uses stones she’s gathered over the years as the focal elements for pendants hung from her signature woven cord. Intrigued by this new direction and the challenge of creating an ongoing collection of one-of-a-kind pieces, we caught up with Platner to learn more.
We know how important the beach and the ocean are to you, but is this the first time they’re actually a collaborator of sorts?
For me there is nothing as wildly expansive as spending time on/in/near the sea. I’ve been collecting beach stones since I was a small child patrolling the beaches in Maine for all the best stones I could find. My thesis project in college (which became my first wholesale offering) featured beach stones set in sterling silver. At the time it seemed only natural to incorporate such beloved materials into the work I was making. That was over 30 years ago!
In a very sweet circular moment, one of my earliest accounts/supporters/collaborators, TWIST, just got a beautiful selection of new beach stones for their impeccably curated store.
What prompted the concept for this new collection? Was there an “ah-ha” moment?
As a creative, I believe in the merit of revisiting concepts from the past. I have found that as my relationship with material evolves, and skill sets become more refined, that there are always ways I can take past concepts and improve upon them. That is the real “ah-ha” moment!
Are there certain characteristics in the stones that need to be present for them to viable for this collection?
In my opinion beach stones are as precious as diamonds. I have trays and trays of stones that I have collected over the years. Honestly, the real quandary of this process is finding stones that I’m willing to part with.
What’s the process for making these pieces?
The first step is always about selecting the stone itself. The stones in my collection are stored by size, and location found. I’ll spread out a group of stones, and even wet them again to remind me of the beauty of the sea! Then I work on the layout, using tape to figure out the “arms” of the setting. Each stone gets a custom metal setting, which is constructed by soldering pieces of silver wire together. Once each bespoke setting is created, the stones must be carefully set, so that they are held tightly. Once completed, the pendant is strung on our signature hand-crocheted cord.
Given the ongoing dance between the wearable scale of your jewelry and the larger scale of your sculptural works, might we see a boulder wrapped in metal one day?
I do use larger found stones in some of my small-scale sculptural work. They make great bases for the totems I’ve been making. I’m sure stones will keep resurfacing in my jewelry and sculpture.
Platner will keep making Beach Stones as an evolving collection available in her NYC shop and online. To learn more about her artistry, check out our video with Platner from a 2010 studio visit.
What are your thoughts?