Meet Chloe Kono of Chloeography in Arcadia

Today we’d like to introduce you to Chloe Kono.

Chloe Kono is an LA-based creative metalsmith. After graduating with a Bachelor of Fine Arts from California State University Long Beach in 2008, she began pursuing a career in metal arts. Over time she has developed a deep connection with the medium, continually experimenting with new techniques and media. For Chloe, metal is a substantial, malleable material – forgiving yet with a life of its own. The nostalgia of youthful joy and laughter is reflected in each unique jewelry piece crafted in her studio. The heirloom quality of Chloe’s work ensures her pieces will be enjoyed by their new owners for generations to come. From necklaces and earrings to rings and bracelets, her whimsical, circus-inspired work is a warm reminder to smile, no matter your age and background.

Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It has definitely been a roller coaster ride. The biggest obstacle I would say is the conflict in between doing the so-called responsible thing, which is to get a “real job”, VS to actually follow my heart and let my calling lead. I have worked in a million different fields to pay my bills, but I have never completely stopped making metal art after graduating in 2008. And after about a decade of self-doubt and discontentment, I finally gathered enough courage to fully dive into being a full-time jewelry artist. It may have taken me long enough and it may be the strangest timing because of Covid-19, it is yet the best decision I’ve ever made and the only thing I regret is to not have done it earlier.
Other than that, it is also very challenging to not let other people talk you out of taking the risk. However, I feel very fortunate that even among those naysayers, I also hear the cheering from my supportive friends, family, and a handful of collectors who I become good friends with over the years…

Please tell us about Chloeography.
Chloeography is a one-woman show. I make wearable art, out of mostly precious metal and gemstones, along with other unexpected material like resin, flocking, mirrors, jellybeans and on very special occasions, human teeth and pets’ ashes.

Making art has always been an effective way of dealing with my depression and anxiety, my happy place if you will. And I hope that people can wear my work and take in that soothing and calming energy that I get from making them. As an artist, there is nothing more satisfying when someone sees your work and smile genuinely and involuntarily.

My circus themed line has a childish and nostalgic quality, which serves as a reminder of the greatness of simple joy- something that we unfortunately forget when we became adults. My non-circus themed line carries the same whimsical aesthetics, but a little less literal and more free-formed. Last but not least, my memorial jewelry helps people go through the tough but needed grieving process. And I am always incredibly honored to have the opportunity to do so.

All of my pieces are crafted from scratch with my whole being. They are colorful, substantial and personal. The connection I have felt from my clients is something indescribable and irreplaceable.

Do you look back particularly fondly on any memories from childhood?
Performing on stage (I dance a little), making pound cake in my aunt’s vacation home, and holding my favorite teddy bear upside down in every picture I took in Thailand one summer with my parents.

Pricing:

• Copper/ Brass/ Silver $30-80
• Silver/ Gold/ Mixed Media $50-$250
• Commissioned $300+

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.chloeography.com/
• Email: hello@chloeography.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/Chloeography/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Chloeography/
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/Chloeography
• Other: https://www.etsy.com/shop/Chloeography

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