occupation: Artist
hometown: Pittsburgh, PA
homebase: New York City (And intend to remain based in New York. It is truly my favorite city in the world!)
do you remember your first icon growing up? what was it about him/her?
Michelangelo Buonarroti (Sistene Chapel). Growing up it was difficult for my parents to accept me wanting to be an artist. They were afraid of the "starving artist" stereotype. I always knew I would be a successful artist. I understood, from an early age, that the place Michelangelo holds in the world history was so powerful and intriguing it seemed like an appropriate goal to achieve through my life time of making art. Setting my standards on par with Old Master would keep me busy for a lifetime.
was it difficult to come up with pieces for the target capsule collection being that you were reaching out to the mass audience? did you have to simplify anything? It was more interesting than difficult, because the Target consumer is women of all ages so I created a range of pieces that would appeal to the generational. Subsequently it has been a pleasure to see women wearing jewelry I designed with the opposite generation in mind when I created it. I wouldn't say that I simplified anything, rather, we condensed the aesthetic language unique to
Subversive Jewelry and made it appealing and accessible who would be confronting my aesthetic concept for the first time.
what was your first love?
Inanimate objects. I have always preferred the company of stuffed animals, Lego's and drawing materials. I'd say that I have remained consistent in that love affair with solitude, that is why each piece of my ornate jewelry has both a name and a narrative.
who are some of your favorite ready-to-wear designers out there?
There are so many great designers that I love. I have been a long time fan of Viktor and Rolf from the days when they approached design as art and nothing was really for sale or by any means ready -to-wear. I like how they transitioned and I think their clothes are still very exciting. Also Dries Van Noten speaks to my sensibility of layering texture, pattern and detail to an extreme.
what's your favorite time of the day?
Early mornings 6-11a.m. are my most productive hours.
what was and where did you find your last vintage material?
I recently visited a coastal fishing town in Morocco and found some great "Turig" tribal jewelry piece, coins mainly.
painting by justin giunta
one good piece of advice for an aspiring artist, let's say a painter who wants to break through into the world of art & commerce?
Diversify your media. Don't take one rejection to heart or 100 for that matter. Pick your head up and keep showing your work around until you find someone who does respond.
As they say, "there is something for everyone." Keep looking!
'Political Tyranny' necklace by Subversive Jewelry (Justin Giunta)
one good survival tip for jewelry designers to succeed in such a heavy, saturated and competitive accessories market?
It is always important to be your own biggest supporter and critic at the same time.
Maintain your integrity.
what's the best advice anyone ever gave you?
That there is no hierarchy of imagery. Art lies in the approach.
