Meet Luisa Florez Herran

We had the good fortune of connecting with Luisa Florez Herran and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Luisa, why did you pursue a creative career?
I pursued an artistic and creative career because of a deep personal connection to jewelry that began in my childhood. I have fond memories of watching my mom get ready every day, carefully selecting her jewelry. This daily ritual sparked a fascination in me and nurtured a love for jewelry, instilling an appreciation for the thoughtfulness and care involved in the art of adornment.

As I grew older, I discovered jewelry-making as a therapeutic practice, which deepened my connection to this craft. For me, creating jewelry is not only therapeutic but also fulfills a primitive necessity to create something complex from raw materials. The process of transforming simple elements into intricate designs resonates deeply with me and reflects my personal journey and emotional exploration.

My work is a tribute to the meaningful connections jewelry can symbolize and serves as a way to express my emotions and explore psychological themes, particularly in relation to mental health. Through my art, I aim to share these stories and advocate for mental health awareness, blending personal expression with ethical and sustainable practices. This path feels incredibly fulfilling to me, as it combines my love for creating beautiful pieces with a purpose that goes beyond aesthetics.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
My art is deeply rooted in my personal journey and is distinguished by the unique technique of metal crochet. This intricate method involves weaving delicate wire into complex, textile-like patterns, allowing me to create jewelry pieces that are both delicate and strong, much like the human experience. What sets my work apart is the fusion of traditional textile methods with contemporary jewelry fabrication, resulting in pieces that are as much about the process as they are about the final product.

I’m most proud of how my work speaks to mental health issues. My jewelry is not just an accessory; it’s a narrative that aims to open up conversations about mental health. Each piece I create is a form of meditation and self-expression, helping me cope with my own struggles with anxiety, bipolar disorder, and ADHD. The act of crocheting wire is therapeutic and serves as a way for me to explore complex emotions and experiences.

The journey to where I am today has not been easy. It has been filled with challenges, from finding my unique style to managing the realities of mental health in a demanding industry. I’ve overcome these challenges by embracing my craft as a source of healing and growth and by drawing inspiration from the world around me.

One of the most significant lessons I’ve learned is the value of authenticity and staying true to my beliefs. This includes my dedication to ethical and sustainable practices in my jewelry-making process. I consciously avoid using harmful chemicals and energy-intensive tools, reflecting my belief in creating art that is both meaningful and mindful of its environmental impact.

What I want the world to know about me and my brand is that my work is more than just jewelry; it’s about fostering connections—connections with the materials, with myself, and with those who find resonance in the stories my pieces tell. My art reflects a blend of vulnerability and strength, and it’s a testament to the transformative power of creativity. Through my jewelry, I aim to inspire others to find their own voice, share their stories, and embrace their unique journeys.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?

Here’s a refined version of your answer:

I would like to dedicate my shoutout to several important people in my life. First, my mom, who has been a huge influence on my love and connection to jewelry. And also, has supported every decision I’ve made in my career with endless love and encouragement.

I also want to recognize my husband, who is my toughest critic. His honest feedback pushes me to improve and grow as an artist. And finally, my peers, whose creativity and passion continually inspire me to push boundaries and create things I haven’t seen before.

Website: https://lumajewelry.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/luma_handcraftedjewelry