Random Questions For...Anna Sheffield

Anna Sheffield came to jewelry making through the back door. That is to say, after studying blacksmithing, welding and fabrication at the Academy of Art in San Francisco, where she received a degree in Fine Arts.

These sculptural techniques are the hallmark of Bing Bang, the line of jewelry she launched in 2002 with her brother, Kevin Kearny, which turns Victorian-meets-heavy metal iconography into something a tad more feminine. (The name Bing Bang actually refers to the sound an anvil makes when it strikes metal.)

The New Mexico native added a fine jewelry line, called Anna Sheffield Fine Jewelry, in 2007 – the same year she was nominated for a CFDA Swarovski Award – and she’s collaborated on jewelry collections with Phillip Lim, Lutz & Patmos and Marc Jacobs (with whom she shares an affinity for statement-making tattoos).

Today, Bing Bang has expanded to include handbags, belts and men’s accessories (think: skull cufflinks and brass money clips). And the 34-year-old Sheffield shows no sign of slowing down, as witnessed by her recent stint as a guest blogger on the New York Times style site, The Moment, and her collaboration with Cole Haan, for whom she designed a collection of decorative clasps, closures and jewelry elements for shoes and handbags, which will launch this Fall.

The Fashion Informer grabbed a few minutes with the New York-based designer to gab about life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness (hint: it can be found on a mesa in New Mexico).

So, Anna…

What's the most unlikely place you've ever found inspiration?
Probably in sadness. But truly I find inspiration in just about everything I happen upon. I’m lucky that way!

If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be?
I would never worry about things I cannot change.

What did you do last weekend, and what are your plans for this weekend?
I was on an amazingly pristine island in Thailand called Koh Lanta with my brother, his gal and my sweetheart! This weekend I’ll be in my studio working to make up for it.

Who do you consider the most underrated designer, living or dead?
I think there have been a lot of artists whose work went uncelebrated in their lifetimes, far too many to mention really. But no designers come to mind. I see so many talented people in New York and abroad these days, all deserving of success and getting it. I think this is a bountiful time in art and culture. I liken it to the Dada movement.

What is your favorite art form: music, books, film or theater?
I couldn’t begin to choose a favorite. I am equally enraptured by the ephemeral nature of music and the tangible arts like sculpture and painting. The directness and strength of film and photography never cease to amaze me - and I love to read.

Favorite work of art from your aforementioned fave art form?
Lately I am in love with Walton Ford’s stunningly beautiful paintings, M. Ward’s cover of “Let’s Dance,” and I just read “The Invention of Everything Else” [by Samantha Hunt], which was a lovely little story.

What is your favorite memory of summertime from childhood?
We used to spend part of the year in San Carlos, Mexico on the Sea of Cortez. Those were the best summers as we (my brothers and I) could play in the ocean to our hearts content - sailing, swimming, and harassing the various flora and fauna.

What initially drew you to jewelry (and now handbag) design?
It was a simple side step from making sculpture. I was working in both large scale steel and bronze metal fabrication, as well as making pieces in miniature from silver, copper and mixed materials. Making jewelry was a way to implement my metal-smithing skills and creative energies without the depth and time involved in producing fine art. I am happy making things in general. I have been since as far back as I can remember.

What would be your dream creative collaboration?
I have had so many dream collaborations already! I have had the pleasure of working with Douglas Little, Marc Jacobs, Lutz & Patmos, Phillip Lim and most recently with the wonderful team at Cole Haan. The next great adventure for me would definitely be to work on larger scale collaboration such as sculpture or furniture design. I don’t have my sights on any specific person or group, but who knows what the future holds!

Tell me about your favorite pair of shoes.
It would be my tried and true favorites: off-white great Gatsby-ish pumps from Chie Mihara. I have had them forever. And even though they look a little less than perfect these days, I still feel most myself when I wear them.

What's the one beauty/grooming item you can't live without?
I’m not too prissy of a girl but I can’t live without a good face lotion. Stella McCartney’s skin care line is my current obsession.

Who do you admire?
My mom, my brother, my friends (of whom I gratefully have many), my peers in this crazy and amazing industry. So many artists, past and present. Anyone who ventures to build something of their own volition. Bees.

When was the last time you rode public transportation?
I ride the subway everyday. I take the N/R, F/V and L mostly as they take me to and from work in Brooklyn, the jewelry district and my apartment near the Bowery.

What would you like to be doing if you weren't an accessory designer?
I want to learn to play the harmonica.

When are you happiest?
When I’m so absorbed in making something that I scarcely notice anything else. Being on a mesa looking out over the desert in New Mexico. And when in the presence of the people I love.

Stay tuned next week for Random Questions For…Rogan Gregory.

Comments

[susan stilwell]

Miss Anna loves flowers too!

[Kate]

I love her work...I just wish more people stocked it in the uk!