Bringing a little piece of Melbourne to the GC, we chat to Room One Collective's, Arlia Hassell about her creative collective and inspiration for her jewellery brand.
Tell us about how and when your label was created?
Room One Collective came about when Arlia Hassell moved up to the Gold Coast from Melbourne. Arlia suddenly found herself feeling a little homesick not being surrounded by the constant creative juices Melbourne offers up on a platter - so she decided to create her own space that would fill the void.
What pieces are included within your range?
Room One Collective is made up jewellery, ceramics, prints and textiles. Our collection is diverse and eclectic, most of our pieces are one off creations or very limited runs.
What is your creative background?
I attained an Advanced Diploma in Jewellery Engineering in late 2014 and was then approved for the NEIS program, studying all things business. Although I've has had to take some time off jewellery making due to a traumatic brain injury I sustained just after graduating, I've has been able to return to the bench over the last 12 months.
Where is the label designed and made?
All items stocked in Room One Collective are handmade by artists from all corners of Australia. We support local artisans creating their art, generally, from their home studios.
Credit: Scott Powick
What inspires you?
I’m inspired by creating a platform to showcase some Australia’s best creatives. I know how hard it can be for creatives to find a space where they are able to show, and sell, their craft.
In my personal work, I am inspired by ancient techniques. Ways in which jewellery was created all those years ago. I’m also inspired by nature and all the textures that it comes in.
Latest collection consists of?
Our collection is diverse and don’t necessarily follow ‘trends’. Instead, our work is creative and interpretive. Much of our collection is bold and certainly makes a statement.
What’s on your mood board?
You can find anything from antique Egyptian jewellery to 3D printed masterpieces. You’ll find different metal alloys and even a few pops of colour!
What’s your creative space like?
It’s a workbench I inherited off a jewellery friend, tools as far as you can see and a healthy collection of books that inspire my making process. The space is in the garage at home, a space with natural lighting and a few potted plants.
What music do you listen to while designing/creating?
I’m a sucker for 90’s RnB! I put my headphones on and go back in time to create.
A day in the life of you consists of?
Every day is different! We will check over, any overnight orders or enquiries we’ve received on the online store. Spruce up the store and make sure it is customer ready. I’ll spend some time creating jewellery and sometimes a little more time delving deep into the rabbit hole of Pinterest. A piece of jewellery takes more than just a day. Generally, I’m working on multiple projects, in varying degrees of completeness. I could be working on turning a client’s vision into a sketch to finishing off another client’s brand new ring.
Favourite TVM stall (besides yours of course)?
Does the coffee cart count? No, but really, I love the rack sale. You never know what you’ll find, what a treasure chest!
Favourite reads/blogs?
For most part I’ll spend more time on Pinterest and Instagram getting inspiration. I also enjoy reading through the inspiring articles on The Design Files and Design Milk.
What are we likely to find you wearing on market day? Any favourite labels?
I am a bit of a plain jane and tend to wear a lot of black, keeping it low key with maybe a little pop of colour of some fun jewellery from Room One Collective 🙂
What can we expect from the next collection/what are your plans for 2013 and beyond?
Room One Collective is always finding and being approached by uniquely crafted, Australian work. Keeping our store is always fresh and inspiring. We are also working on putting together a beautiful collection of engagement and wedding jewellery.
Then as well as all of the above we are really excited to be ironing out the final details of Studio Sessions. This will be a space offering creative workshops that give back to the community, offering a % of ticket sales to host classes for Acquired Brain Injury survivors.
Why TVM?
I’ve been following TVM for a little while now! What a fantastic platform for Gold Coast creatives to get together and showcase their work.
What do you love most about attending TVM?
The people are friendly and the sun is (mostly) shining! You never know what goodies you might find on the day.
Connect with Room One Collective