When I first started SHIBUMI, I was often surprised and energized by unexpected connections. I never knew who might walk through the gallery doors, who might be drawn to my work, or who might be excited to help support my creative endeavor. The anticipation of the unknown brought a sense of mystery and inspiration to my days—and continues to do so even to this day.
One afternoon, not a few years after I’d opened the gallery, Ellie walked in. I had just finished a beautiful 18k gold ring with a large tourmaline stone. The color made you want to dive in, it was so deep and luscious. Ellie immediately honed in on the ring and said, "I love it. I'd be honored to wear your work." She walked out the door with it. That was 2010.
And now, years later, Ellie and I have not only maintained our connection but have also cultivated a lovely friendship. She still wanders unexpectedly into the gallery adding pieces to her collection. Her kindness towards my staff and her familiarity with each of them is heartwarming. We've shared many stories over the years and she is truly one of my biggest fans. Despite her large collection of my work and the many pieces by other artists at SHIBUMI, I occasionally still see her wearing that tourmaline ring. She knows how to mix in new pieces and trade things around. She still seems excited to find a beautiful piece and learn more about the artist who made it. Although she has many beautiful pieces, she loves each one, and wears them all. Her unique style and our friendship have not only enriched my life but also influenced my creative process, inspiring me to create pieces that I know will resonate with her and others like her.
I met with her recently at her home in Marin to play with her jewelry collection and help create new layering edits to inspire her. She does a great job herself, but who can't use a fresh aesthetic eye? We spent the day in her colorful, accented house, having snacks, sipping wine, and playing around with jewelry and clothing. Ellie's home reflects her playful, relaxed, confident, and colorful self; even her classic Eames lounge chair has custom Prussian blue velveteen upholstery. Her style is a sort of Bohemian-chic, a reflection of her free-spirited nature and her love for vibrant colors. It's a place where you feel cheered up. While Ellie is originally from the East Coast, her free spirit and casual vibe seems right at home here in California. In her fringe-covered shoes, we sat at her kitchen table looking out on her yard and a line of adirondack chairs. She has created a sweet respite in this intense world. She is genuinely kind and appreciative, and I feel so very grateful she walked through my gallery door.
When I started my own gallery and my own work, it did not even occur to me that I might also be starting something more akin to a small community. One of the greatest benefits of doing something you love is meeting and gathering with the people who love what you do.
ELLIE
Patron of the Arts, Design Appreciator, Loyalist, Free Spirit, Mother & Grandmother
This photo shoot was a creative documentation project designed to explore new ways to layer and style jewelry while creating a reference book for inspiration.
Below are some examples of Ellie's jewelry collection where each piece has the potential to layer beautifully with others. Creatively playing with pieces allows you to create multiple looks that enhance your wardrobe and give you your own individual style.
We encourage you to explore the process of artful layering.
After the holidays, we’ll resume our LAYERING APPOINTMENTS to assist you with enhancing your collection.
Video music: January Heatwave by Hugo Tanov