We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Joanne Davis-Woods. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Joanne below.
Joanne, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today So, naming is such a challenge. How did you come up with the name of your brand?
“Decorative Knowledge, jewelry & notions”
Decorative Knowledge-the collection of my concepts of loveliness and how they hold technique. Years ago I was entranced by Robertson Davies’ concept of “Ornamental Knowledge” – knowledge accumulated for its own sake rather than merely for its utility . My magpie mind collects facts and notions of delight, in a manner, adorning my brain with lovely baubles.
Dually, beauty contains knowledge. Historically, art stores the knowledge of its technology, its creation and source. Think of the ancient trade routes of lapis lazuli or emerald. Gold granulation as done by the Etruscans was nearly a lost technique. This knowledge was encapsulated in the decorative object, which is valued for its beauty is saved for centuries.
Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.
A Life With Tools and Materials Before metalsmithing, I had a career in the film industry-painting movie sets. Reproducing grime & rust, wood & stone, moss & age. If I did my work well it would not be noticed as artificial.
Later on relocation to the mountains of Western North Carolina, my work goal changed. Now I make things of notice, accent, and focus. I have different tools, many of them, precious metals, and a hoard of specially chosen gems.
Wearable hand-forged jewelry. Non gender specific personal talismans. Modern translations of archaic designs, precious
versions of mechanical hardware. I like to work with clients to create deeply personal pieces from their collections of a lifetime’s travel, outdated jewelry, and family mementoes
How about pivoting – can you share the story of a time you’ve had to pivot?
As an entrepreneur and artist I’ve found it essential to jump at the pivot points. These moments are unique and need to be acted upon.
It had already been 4 years since the last inflection point-when a 7 year combination of business and romance had ended. I had managed to build a faux painting business and was teaching a color design class at the Milwaukee Art Museum when “the circus” came to town. ABC came to town to film a TV movie and to use the historic movie theatre I had helped restore. In fact I was working on another theatre and had plans to visit NYC when a call came in.
It was an offer to paint sets for the project. 14 hours a day, 7 days a week, for 6 weeks, a most exhilarating and focused time. I found and used talents I hadn’t known I possessed. I was encouraged to pursue this path in LosSo 2 months later, I sold my furniture, left my boyfriend, packed my VW and left for LA.
We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.
There I was, a new resident in LA, with my paint brushes, a couple of work contacts & no friends.
It was complicated to find an apartment because I didn’t even have a credit history, let alone a credit card. (I did have a bank account). Found a landlord who thought that “no credit history was better than a poor credit history”. .You have to find it all, your new hair salon and dry cleaners and auto mechanic, even new people to ask for advice.
It’s all about leverage and focus and trying to live below your means. Now keep in mind, another of my precepts is “take care of the luxuries and the necessities will take care of themselves”. Because, (I believe) I subscribed to Harper’s Magazine-I was offered at Bonwit Teller credit account. A start, to becoming a “real adult”.
Contacts led me to a new film. That film went union; I had the somewhat rare opportunity to join IATSE 729, the International Alliance of Stage and Theatrical Employees. This led to another path with no contacts, but I did have my skills.
When you want someone to hire you or buy from you, it is essential you make it easy for them. Any little bit of planning shows them your professionalism. I made appointments with studios, set a schedule, laid out a route. I had my portfolio and my resume. I didn’t need to make it to more than one appointment-the next day I started work at Universal.
It’s all freelance in the industry. You need to keep yourself out there, get your face known and grow a good reputation.
But by keeping out there and living below my means-I was able to buy a house.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.decorativeknowledge.com
- Instagram: @decknow