Statement Accessories that'll Take Your Style for a Ride.
Artist: Crawford Shortt
Expertise: Jewelry
Additional Talents: Sculpture, Drawing
Materials: Bicycle Parts, Jewelry Fittings
Style: Industrial made Artistic through Upcycling
Inspiration: Beauty in Everyday Parts & Pieces
Common Creations: Necklaces, Bracelets, Earrings
Website: www.willowtreeworks.com
Shop Online: [Etsy]
Home Base: Austin, TX
Spotted At: Austin Flea
When some people look at gadgets or machinery, they only see the item for what it does. And yet others would argue that what the object is made of is just as important as how it works. It's all about seeing beauty as much in the parts as in the whole, and that's exactly what makes artist Crawford Shortt of Willow Tree Works stand out. With backgrounds in two seemingly unrelated areas, art and bike mechanics, this Austin talent has a unique foundation upon which his characteristic style is based. Over time, he's come to see that these two key areas of interest in his life feed each other. Maintaining bikes in working fashion preserves their beauty and function, while disassembling and reassembling them as art gives them a new, one-of-a-kind form. His most common creations are wearable so you can express your own appreciation for the unique parts making up each necklace, bracelet or pair of earrings. The truth is that a lot of gadgets have wonderful aesthetic value, but you may not see it until you explore individual pieces up close. From bikes you get a lot of fascinating bolts, gears, wires and other elements that when artfully combined, are in fact art. Willow Tree Works was born out of a vision, one that looks past simple function to highlight and even elevate the form.
Bet you've never seen jewelry like this before!
 |
Photography by Annie Winsett |
