Monday, October 26, 2009

Featured Artist: Lauren (Saraswati) Zavlunov of Jewels of Saraswati




This week's featured artist is fellow EtsyNJ member Lauren (Saraswati) Zavlunov of Jewels of Saraswati. (See above for pieces of Lauren’s out-of-this-world jewelry.) Jewels of Saraswati offers an eclectic array of yoga-inspired jewelry transcending the everyday designs typically found at big box stores. So, if you’re looking for something unique to wear or a conversation-starter gift, then pop into Jewels of Saraswati. You’ll be glad you did!

1. The Tote Trove (TTT): How did you come up with the name Jewels of Saraswati for your business?

Lauren (Saraswati) Zavlunov (LZ): After recently receiving the beautiful name of Saraswati from my dear yoga teacher and friend, I thought Jewels of Saraswati encompasses what I do perfectly. The Hindu goddess Saraswati is the goddess of music, knowledge, and the arts -- so fitting!

2. TTT: Were you always interested in making jewelry? What sparked your interest?

LZ: I have always loved creating, whether it was art, sculpture, crafts, sewing, graphic design, or music. My serious interest in creating jewelry started this past year after being frustrated with commercialism. I was finding it difficult to find unique jewelry items of good quality -- until I discovered Etsy! It really inspired me to create my own jewelry, which then inspired me to create malas for my meditation practice.

3. TTT: How did you decide to turn your passion for making jewelry into a business?

LZ: It just somehow evolved from this amazing desire to share. Making meditation malas seemed to ignite my interest in sharing handmade creations.

4. TTT: What is your favorite item in your shop?

LZ: That is a hard one! Usually it is whatever item I just posted!

5. TTT: What items, if any, would you like to add to your shop?

LZ: I wish I had more time to create more malas! I enjoy making those the most.

6. TTT: In your Etsy shop, you introduce your jewelry as yoga-inspired. How did you make the connection between yoga and jewelry, and what role does yoga play in your life?

LZ: Yoga plays a huge role in my life. Not just the hatha or physical practice, but the beautiful philosophy behind it. I have several items with Hindu “Om” charms, and many of my items have names derived from yoga scriptures and Hindu deities. But I think the meditation malas are what really connects my store with the yogic lifestyle. Japa malas are used to count your mantra whilst meditating, something I wholly enjoy doing!

7. TTT: In your Etsy shop profile you mention that you are a conservatory-trained flutist. What is it like to be a jewelry artist by day and a musician by night? How does your involvement in the arts influence your life?

LZ: The arts are a wonderful influence in my life. Yes, I am a professional freelance flutist and educator. The wonderful thing about it is that it constantly drives me to reevaluate myself and learn to communicate and connect better with others on a daily basis. Music and life have so many wonderful parallels, and I try to absorb valuable lessons from both.

8. TTT: Describe your creative process. Do you follow a routine, create when inspiration strikes, or a little bit of both?

LZ: I have to say it just happens when it needs to and I go with it! I can be pretty intense when the mood strikes me, and then I can work for hours and hours. Being a musician, you need a good deal of structure and dedication, so I let myself indulge when I create in other areas.

9. TTT: What is the best thing about running your own business? The worst?

LZ: Well, I am pretty bad with numbers and tend to dislike keeping track of money. I would say this is the worst part of it. Often I feel like just giving my stuff away! (I have giveaways to satiate that desire. J) The best? Being able to do your own thing!

10. TTT: How did you discover Etsy?

LZ: I think I was looking at an artist’s work online, and she was selling on Etsy. It was love at first sight!

11. TTT: Do you sell your work in venues outside of Etsy (i.e., other sites, craft shows, etc.)? If yes, then how does selling online differ from selling in person?

LZ: I just sell on Etsy but would like to have my work displayed in other venues at some point.

12. TTT: Who is most (emotionally) supportive of your business?

LZ: So many people! My husband is at the top. He is the most patient and supportive man I know. And my parents. They have been passing out those business cards to all of their friends! People seem to think I have left the music business!

13. TTT: Are there any new artistic/creative skills you’d like to learn?

LZ: I would love to learn silver smithing, but perhaps in another lifetime. I am still trying to hone the skills I have now!

14. TTT: What are your hopes for Jewels of Saraswati in the future?

LZ: I hope more people come visit the shop so I can make some new friends!

15. TTT: BONUS QUESTION. Just for fun, if you were stranded on a deserted island and had to eat the same thing every day, what would it be? You can pick a drink and a dessert, too. (I find that dreaming up a whole meal makes this game more entertaining!)

LZ: Easy. Chocolate.

Thanks for joining us and getting to know Lauren and Jewels of Saraswati! For more exciting Jewels news, check out Lauren’s corners of Facebook, Blogspot, and Twitter.

Don’t forget to check back next Tuesday for another exciting artist feature. Interested in being featured yourself? Just email me at thetotetrove@gmail.com for details.

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