Drowning Bear

Luche
Mar 23, 2017
2 min read

Cold and wet, neither did I or the long line of others cared. In Greenpoint, Brooklyn the Brooklyn Bazaar was holding an event, RAW Artists. It was a chance for local artists to showcase their work to the public. Artists of all ages displayed pictures, paintings, political tees to crystal tiaras. Dipping through the crowd, a skull caught my eye.

Ashton Berglund, founder of the jewelry line, Drowning Bear, exhibited her beautiful pieces and a chance to purchase in person. Founded on Etsy, RAW Artists invited her to join that night and I was happy she did. Towards the end of my stay, Ashton let in a few secrets.

When did you start making jewelry?

I first started learning how to make jewelry with my Grandma when I was about 12 years old. Almost every time I would visit her in California, we would always go to a bead shop and spend hours laughing and her teaching me how to make beaded bracelets and necklaces.

Where do you find your inspiration?

I think what inspired my passion to start making jewelry was when I was about 3 or 4. One of my mom's friends was a jeweler. He would make my mom rings sometimes and I always loved them. One day he gave me a gold ring with four rubies in it. I was absolutely obsessed with this ring. To a four year old, it was the most beautiful thing I had ever seen. That day started my obsession with jewelry.

What inspires me the most is living in the city. I'm from a small town and living in a place where everyone brings something different to the table is truly amazing. I literally see different forms of art everyday and its very inspiring and makes me want to be that much better and make something no one else has ever seen.

Do you have a favorite piece?

Its hard to pick a favorite piece but if I were to choose I think my favorite one would have to be the broken teeth in sterling silver. (see slideshow!) It was the first ring I carved and I couldn't be more happy with it. It's like my baby.

Flip through Drowning Bear's Photo Album!! Be sure to also visit Drowning Bear's page on Etsy!

https://www.etsy.com/shop/DrowningBearBrooklyn