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Five Minutes In The Riley Park Studio Of Local Jeweller Muraco Wolfe

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Is there a name more formidable than Muraco Wolfe? The first, which translates to “white moon”, is the perfect visual and phonetic complement to the lupine last. Although the young jeweller harkens from artist-heavy Galiano Island, her designs are otherwise contradictory to her roots. To the unknowing eye, Wolfe’s first collection of silver necklaces, earrings, rings and signets was a series of cool, minimalist shapes. But once you describe her references – the base form of foods – the artist’s sense of humour and vision become clear. That’s the beauty of her designs, and the element giving them a connectivity beyond pure aesthetics. We recently paid a visit to Wolfe’s Vancouver home studio off Main Street to discuss everything from arbitrary vices to the more serious process of making custom wedding rings.

What neighbourhood do you live in and what are some of your favourite neighbourhood spots? Riley Park — Woo Vintage, Au Petit Cafe, Mountain View Cemetery.

What are three unusual things – places and experiences – that have inspired you? My parents had me young and lived an alternative lifestyle rich in art, culture, literature, music and socializing. My home was always filled with adults I found fascinating and who had an equal respect for me and my thoughts and ideas. I preferred their company over people my own age. They are still encouraging and supportive to this day. All of these people and experiences have played a huge role in inspiring me to follow this path.

What do the food items that you chose for your first two collections say about you? That I don’t like to take myself or my subject matter too seriously when coming up with a concept for a collection. I’m a bit silly. However, I am serious about the quality and aesthetic of the jewellery.

?What are you most excited about in the near future? Paris in April. I’m also pretty excited about the new collection of pieces I’m working on right now. They will be available in late summer.

Tell us more about your next collection! Think ultra feminine mixed with simple childhood imagery. It’s hard to describe without giving away too much information. I’ll keep you in suspense.

What would you most like to accomplish in 2017? To become more known for designing custom engagement rings and wedding bands. I love working with people on projects especially when it’s one that is so special and personal to them. These are pieces that will be worn everyday for a long time and could eventually become family heirlooms. It’s an all around exciting experience.

Who would you like to see wearing your jewelry (alive or dead)? Marina Abramovic. (wiki)

What does a typical day in the studio look and sound like? It looks like a lady in a room with lots of tea and tools. It sounds like Brian Reed, Ira Glass or Dan Savage. S-town was my favourite podcast ever.

What do you wear in the studio? I dress the same in and out of studio. Mostly blouses and overalls from the thrift store.

What trend in jewelry will you never participate in? Trends!

If you could make anything, what would it be? I would build the giant shiny sculpture (I’ve had dreamed up in my head for so long) for a local city park. I would love to work on a large scale one day.

What keeps you up at night? My insomnia, which has nothing to do with the tea I drink all day of course.

What is something that makes you curious? Ancient civilizations. I used to dream about becoming an Archaeologist and used up most of my electives at university taking classes.

The different career path that you could have gone on? See above.

The hidden talent that you possess? Ive known how to forage all the edible plants of BC since the age of 5 y/o. Free snacks!

The strange talent that you wish you possessed? Ballerina dance moves.

A bad habit? Drinking salad dressing.

Guilty pleasure? I don’t feel guilty about any of my pleasures!

What object of no monetary value will you keep dearly until you die? I am such a sentimental person…I keep everything! So I will probably have an inordinate amount of mementos and correspondences from loved ones.

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