Interview : Fade into the Abstract

Meet Kristen Nivala from Fade into the Abstract.  Kristen works with various geodes and geometrical metal pieces to create her uniques line of jewelry.   Heres an interview with Kristen as she tells more about her creative process.  Her line is available now in the shop!

Where did you grow up?

I grew up in Puyallup, WA 45min. south of Seattle.

What did you have for breakfast?

I had an English muffin with pb & j with blueberries. And coffee. 

Where do you get your inspiration?

I am inspired by a lot of different things.  I love tribal textiles, patterns, geometry and vibrant colors.  I draw from my surroundings of the beach and trees. Strong women with a great sense of fashion that are true to who they are, always inspire me. 

When did you start/what spark you to make?

A few years ago I saw a need for feather hair extensions, before they really blew up, and so I challenged myself and just started making them.  I sold quite a few under the name Boho Plunder on etsy.  While doing that, I slowly got into creating jewelry and decided to leave Boho Plunder behind and start fresh with a new jewelry line as Fade Into the Abstract. 

Did you continue your education?  College, trade school etc?

I am a self- taught lady!  I went to college at the University of Washington with emphasis on educational equality with the hopes of becoming a teacher.  

Who is/are your inspiration(s)?

Other people making and creating inspire me.  I love to follow instagram of people who are metal smiths or of jewelry designers who have mastered their aesthetic and artistry.  

Where do you want to go with this?  Where do you see yourself in 5 to 10 years?

I try not to look that far ahead, but right now I love making jewelry.  It is a hobby that I enjoy and other people enjoy as well. I rarely like to make multiplies of pieces because it’s kind of boring and I feel like a robot just reproducing something. I think as soon as it loses those two appeals then I may reconsider it. 

What is your favorite thing to create with?

I just love to create something new, it doesn’t really matter if it's a necklace or earrings.  I just have to love it and it must come from me, then it's a favorite. 

Describe your style?

I have an eclectic style.  I do love to create something new and contemporary but I also love the feeling of nostalgia and like repurposing an old necklace found at a garage sale.  It is a fusion of a bohemian/modern/vintage wild woman. I don’t know, it’s just whatever I am feeling sometimes as well. 

What is your favorite thing to do?

My favorite thing to do would be dance.  That was one of my biggest passions before I moved here.  I used to teach hip-hop dance and I absolutely loved it and would of done it for free but they paid me.  And when I moved here I just didn’t get back into it and jewelry making kind of filled that for me.   It has been a great way for me to create again and I am thankful I have found a niche here. 

If you could live anywhere, where would that be?

it is hard to say because Santa Cruz is the most ideal spot right now! Maybe Japan, only because I am Japanese and have been looking at pictures of it lately and swooning over everything.

Where is the one place that you would like to travel to that you haven't been?

Japan or Tahiland

What is your creative process?

I am messy and organized at the same time.  I believe in controlled chaos. I get frustrated a lot and being self-taught it's all about trial and error.  I have found to embrace this process and have learned so much because of it.