What’s in Your Toolbox: Aaron Ruff
Brooklyn-based jewelry designer Aaron Ruff creates pieces that are equal parts romantic and gritty. His past life as a carpenter and cabinetmaker combined with his playful and nostalgic sensibilities are the blueprint for what is . This androgynous jewelry line is comprised of several different collections that reflect Aaron’s new antiquarian style and dedication to his craft. I personally wish I could live in his studio! —
*Full Disclosure: I have been stalking following Aaron’s personal blog, a catalog of his vintage/antique findings, for quite some time now. All you vintage hounds should visit and prepare yourselves for some serious Americana envy.
1. Design*Droits-Humains: What is in your toolbox?
Aaron Ruff: Gooseneck hallmark stamps, ring mandrel, carving wax, tweezers, liver of sulphur (oxidizer), pliers, saws, jewelry parts, brass and silver wire and findings, unassembled castings, and a box of diamonds.
2. Design*Droits-Humains: Fill in the blank, “When I am in my studio, I feel ______.”
Read the full interview with Aaron after the jump . . .
3. Design*Droits-Humains: What is on the top shelves of your inspiration library right now?
Aaron Ruff: Old indigo swatches, photos scraps and random bits.
4. Design*Droits-Humains: How do you keep yourself organized? Do you have an agenda book, and do you make to-do lists?
Aaron Ruff: It’s an exercise in controlled chaos. I don’t make lists but keep a pinboard of current projects and photos for inspiration above my workbench.
5. Design*Droits-Humains: If you could have one superhero (or magical) power, what would it be and why?
Aaron Ruff: Time travel would be pretty nice. Even if I couldn’t bring back mementos.
Photo Credit: Malcolm Brown
6. Design*Droits-Humains: What is the best advice you have ever received, and what is the one piece of advice you would offer to a young artist/designer?
Aaron Ruff: To just go for it and not be afraid to eat ramen for a while.
7. Design*Droits-Humains: How do you combat creative blocks?
Aaron Ruff: Constant distraction helps. My studio garden also. I travel as much as possible, even if it’s just a day trip outside of the city now and then to get out of the studio. Also, I always keep a couple of half-finished collections on the back burner, so if I’m stumped on one, I just move on to another for a little while. Whichever one comes to fruition first gets released.
8. Design*Droits-Humains: Where do you like to shop for inspiration?
Aaron Ruff: Flea markets, estate sales, dumpsters, and Dead Horse Bay. Anywhere I can dig.
9. Design*Droits-Humains: If you could peek inside the studio/toolbox of any designer/artist/craftsperson, whose would it be and why?
Aaron Ruff: Being an ex-woodworker, I’d love to get a look in workshop. I bet he had some really pretty chisels.
Photo Credit: Malcolm Brown
10. Design*Droits-Humains: If you could make a master mix-tape of music that is inspiring you at the moment, what would it include?
Aaron Ruff: Black Keys, Harry Nilsson, Band of Horses, and Radiolab, with a bit of opera mixed in for the serious days (Wagner is best).
Oh yay – what a perfect opportunity to ask Aaron something I’ve wanted to know for a good while: why is Jareth the only Labyrinth piece??
Signed,
A Person Who Knew All the Lines to the Entire Movie As a Child (and who also LOVES your collections based on our childhood movies :)
Jeez louise that is an attractive man. And his work is pretty beautiful as well.
Great work from a great man. Well done, Aaron.
Swoon and a 1/2! Also, I may need that deer ring. Does it say how to get one and I’m missing it?
I have to agree with Heather Lou. He is a gorgeous man. He makes gorgeous things. Yummy!!
So really, this Design Droits-Humains dating service is going to happen, yes? Great post nonetheless :) Lots of great inspiration for “renovating” my workspace (really, just clearing some cobwebs and embracing the history of the space).
Aaron, you fox, you!
Wow, that ring is so cool, a true artisan! Also a man after my own heart with pumpkin vines, beans and herbs creating a little Eden in his window sill!
Ginny, hi!
Thanks for your inspirational words and Aaron, you’re pretty cool!!
I love the look of his studio- trying to make mine look similar!
“Anywhere I can dig.” That pretty much sums up my shopping feelings as well – it’s no fun if there’s not a quest involved. I love seeing creative people’s workspaces!