When it comes to jewelry, the work of designer Melissa Joy Manning is as unique as it is stunning. Working with mixed media, she pairs natural materials like feathers and twigs with found objects, precious metals, and antiquated machinery.
The result? A stunning collection of one-of-a-kind pieces that are equal parts art and wearable accessories. Manning’s style is an expression of her personal tastes and interests. She has a knack for repurposing things that most people might overlook or discard along with the rest of the trash; her jewelry is an amalgam of these elements, which she often finds in nature or in old buildings.
In fact, she even incorporates these elements into her everyday wardrobe! Read on to learn more about this brilliant designer and her amazing works of wearable art.
Melissa Joy Manning: An Overview
Melissa Joy Manning is a Los Angeles-based artist who uses mixed media to create jewelry that is at once delicate and impossibly bold. Her work is defined by the natural materials she uses and their ability to create rich textures that are fascinating to explore and behold.
All of her pieces are one-of-a-kind and designed with a sense of curiosity and wonderment in mind, allowing each wearer to express their own personality through the jewelry. Her work is also social and politically charged, and she often incorporates symbols and stories from marginalized groups and individuals.
With her jewelry, Manning seeks to evoke curiosity, wonder, and emotion, as well as provide a platform for a wide range of stories and narratives. She also strives to create jewelry that is accessible and affordable. She often repurposes and reuses materials that would otherwise have been discarded, and she collaborates with artists and individuals who may not otherwise have the opportunity to have their work showcased.
The Meaning Behind Manning’s Jewelry Designs
While each piece of jewelry comes with a description of the materials used and the inspiration behind the creation, a handful of designs also have a deeper meaning or significance behind them. Manning’s “Mother’s Wings” piece is one example.
Inspired by the matriarchal lineage of many Native American tribes, this necklace and earring set features feathers sourced from a woodpecker and a mourning dove, two birds considered sacred by many Native American tribes.
Manning’s “Spectrum” necklace celebrates the LGBTQ community, featuring rainbow beads and an assortment of feathers that are representative of different sexual identities and gender expressions. Other pieces, such as Manning’s “Twig” earrings, are less about a specific message and more about celebrating the beauty of nature.
A Peek at Manning’s Jewelry Collection
Manning’s jewelry is available in a wide range of styles and designs, with each piece emphasizing the use of natural materials and the application of textures. She often uses a combination of feathers, twigs, petrified wood, and other natural materials.
Many of her designs are embellished with antique parts or pieces that have been repurposed or reprogrammed with antiquated machinery. Manning’s collar and bracelet sets are made to be layered, with collars often doubling as a choker and bracelets as a pair of stacked rings.
Her rings and earrings come in a variety of designs and styles, from simple studs to complex pieces that showcase the use of machine parts. Most of Manning’s pieces are designed for women, but she also offers a variety of unisex and unbranded items that can be worn by anyone.
Why You Should Care About This Designer
Manning’s jewelry is definitely one-of-a-kind; it’s rare for two people to wear the same pieces from her collection. Her pieces are also incredibly versatile, with many of them working equally well with casual and formal attire. Manning’s jewelry is also truly accessible and affordable, with many pieces costing less than $100.
Her prices are especially impressive when you consider all the time and effort that goes into each piece, along with the fact that many of her materials are repurposed or reprogrammed. Manning’s work also celebrates the many different people, cultures, and subcultures that are often overlooked or marginalized in mainstream society.
Her designs also allow people to wear their own stories, symbols, and ideals on their sleeves, so to speak. Manning’s jewelry is truly a one-of-a-kind collection that is sure to inspire curiosity and wonder.
Conclusion
Melissa Joy Manning is an artist who uses mixed media to create jewelry that is delicate and bold. Her work is defined by the natural materials she uses and their ability to create rich textures that are fascinating to explore and behold.
All of her pieces are one-of-a-kind and designed with a sense of curiosity and wonderment in mind, allowing their wearers to express their own personalities through the accessories. Her work is social and politically charged, and she often incorporates symbols and stories from marginalized groups and individuals.
With her jewelry, Manning seeks to evoke curiosity, wonder, and emotion, as well as provide a platform for a wide range of stories and narratives. She also strives to create jewelry that is accessible and affordable. She often repurposes and reuses materials that would otherwise have been discarded, and she collaborates with artists and individuals who may not otherwise have the opportunity to have their work showcased. Keep an eye on Manning’s work and progress, and you’re sure to be inspired by her creativity and ingenuity.
