IRIS SAAR ISAACS OF INSYNC DESIGN
Award-winning studio inSync design was established in Melbourne, Australia with a quest to create Australian made contemporary jewellery that is distinct, whimsical and cleverly constructed. Since establishing her label in 2007, designer Iris Saar Isaacs has been marrying industrial processes with artisan skills to craft her signature ‘hand drawn’ stainless steel drawings to become wearable art.
Describe yourself and your designs to us?
I work very intuitively. I constantly doodle ideas and shapes that over time evolve to become jewellery. When I draw I don’t actually have anything specific in mind. Once the drawing is formed, I then decide if is suitable to become an earring, a necklace or a brooch or discard it altogether.
Once I am happy with a certain shape, I then adjust proportions, orientation, and scale. Next I focus on how to add the functional additions such as a pin for a brooch or a hook for an earring. It is very important that both form and function integrate seamlessly.
I am naturally drawn to asymmetrical and organic shapes and they come together quite instinctively. I also love minimal clean lines, that are reflected in my work.
If I had to describe inSync in a few words it should be - Love, Passion, Dedication and Persistence.
I love the creativity and flexibility of running an artistic business, I love being my own boss and knowing that I am only limited only by my own imagination…
HOW DID IT ALL BEGIN?
The initial idea of producing ‘hand-drawn’ jewellery was inspired by my two year old daughter’s drawings that were naive, free and whimsical. This was a starting point to creating ‘hand-drawn’ wearable art.
After much experimentation with a variety of materials and processes stainless steel was chosen for its strength and hypoallergenic qualities, along with neoprene rubber, which is light and durable and powder coating for it’s boldness and durability.
While I out-source the laser-cutting and powder coating, the rest of the processes are all done in my home studio. No material is wasted, as the remainder of the stainless steel sheet is recycled and reused, and pieces that are damaged can be stripped back, reworked and repainted.
What Creative work has you excited right now?
I have just finished designing next season’s collection. I love this time of the year, where I solely focus on design and extermination.
This is an exciting time in studio, but also a bit anxious to see the first batch of samples come together when my drawings become a tangible products that I can hold in my hands.
I also love collaborating with other artists. At the moment I am working with a glass artist to create a new collection combining stainless steel and glass.
What is one of your proudest moments in your career? There were a few along the way…
Winning several design awards internationally. Traveling regularly while exhibiting in Australia and overseas. Visiting places like New York, Tokyo and Amsterdam is always exciting. Being stocked in some of the world’s best museum shops is also quite rewarding.
Each time I launch a new range, I get a mixed feeling of nervousness, pride and hope it will be warmly received, but that nervous feeling is always there lurking in the back…
What advice do you have for emerging designers?
If you intend to make a living from your art or craft then you must treat it as a business. It is essential to learn business basics and combine them with your creative thinking.
