Modernist Forms, MGG Studio
“MGG Studio is a Bay Area jewelry brand that creates distinctive, sculptural jewelry inspired by the strong shapes, fluid forms, and clean lines of modernist art and architecture. Our small team hand crafts each original design in our intimate Berkeley, California studio, taking care to ensure that each piece feels as good as it looks. We also believe that good design and sustainability go hand in hand, so we select recycled metals and ethically sourced stones for our designs.”
How and why did you start?
I started making jewelry as a way to stretch my brain while working on my dissertation in clinical psychology. Soon I realized that I wanted to make the creative work my main focus and, after finishing my degree, I left academia to pursue my love of well-crafted, minimal adornment. MGG Studio was launched in 2014.
Three words that embody your brand essence:
Sleek, sculptural, sustainable.
Tell us a little about your product origins / manufacturing processes, and your favorite part!
All of my pieces start with an idea or a form that’s compelling to me, something that buzzes in the back of my mind until I figure out how it’s supposed to transform into jewelry. I’m always working to create pieces that are not only visually compelling but that also feel like they belong on the body – they should just feel good when you wear them.
My favorite part is the wax carving process. It requires a combination of vision, technique and patience that challenges my abilities in a way I find very satisfying. I love putting the final smoothing touches on a wax original before sending it off to my caster to transform into recycled bronze, silver, or 14k gold.
Five things inspiring or influencing your design/creative process right now:
Modernist sculpture
Line drawings
Sunbleached wood
Subtle texture
Occam’s razor
Do you ever feel overwhelmed, underwhelmed, or run-down creatively? How do you balance wellness and get on the ball again?
Yes, absolutely. These days, whenever I feel depleted I head outside – a long hike, ideally with a view of the ocean, gets my head back on straight. In pre-COVID days I’d pay a visit to SFMOMA, arriving right when the museum opened. Walking the halls in the quiet before the crowds arrive is one of my favorite things – it feels a bit like church.
A song to describe your new collection:
The Number 4 by Khruangbin.
Design heroes?
Isamu Noguchi, 1970s Halston.
So what do you think of Shoppe Object, and Shoppe On?!
Shoppe Object is a breath of fresh air in the wholesale market landscape. I was so glad for the quick and thoughtful pivot to Shoppe On – it’s been a great way to connect with curated buyers during this weird and challenging time!
What’s the most cherished object in your home?
I’m pretty obsessed with my plants, my books and my kids’ artwork.
What’s on the horizon for this year? Any products or colors we should be on the lookout for?
In my most recent capsule collection, VESSEL 02, I started experimenting with adding resin accents to my metal jewelry and it’s been a great creative stretch. You can expect to see more alternative materials incorporated into my jewelry designs in 2021!
Biggest takeaway from 2020?
Be flexible and stay open: sometimes the most compelling inspiration comes from unexpected events.
