Today we’d like to introduce you to David Quarles.
David, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
Whew… although full of lessons and not all completely horrible, this journey has been anything but smooth. But that doesn’t mean it hasn’t all been worth it!
Financially – I try to stick to a well-thought-out budget, both personal and business. This way, I’ve avoided incurring unnecessary debt – which is always a plus. This isn’t to say that there are not times when I get a bit off track – no one’s perfect. But, I always try to stay mindful of what I spend, and make adjustments accordingly.
And thankfully, through my faith, I’m taught to lead a simple life. Therefore, I can guide my way through life without much of the unnecessary strife that comes with “keeping up with the Joneses.” And although some “wants” exceed the budget, I know that anything really worth having is worth the time and dedication it takes to obtain it; and all things have their place in our lives in due time. Maintaining this mindset helps me focus on my goals at a more peaceful place; allowing me to work with never having to sacrifice the quality of my work nor the time it takes to create as a jewelry artist.
Motivationally – as an artist, as I’m sure many others face, I tend to be really hard on myself and my work. And of course, there are those hills and valleys of enthusiasm and motivation for any project at hand. Yet, by reminding myself of my goals and the importance of sharing my work and creativity, I have the push needed to keep me going. I also have to remind myself that the emotions experienced, good and bad, are temporary, yet the work I put behind what I do is as indefinite as I desire. Another thing I’ve learned is that there’s a need to take time to celebrate the wins AND losses. This helps me maintain a balanced view of my work while making sure I take time to improve my creative process and correct what I could have done better.
IV – what should we know? What do you guys do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
To start, the name IV comes from my name, my lineage. The suffix to my name is IV. So, I figured that by naming my brand IV, I’d leave a legacy to my family’s name through art and creativity. I’ll explain a bit more about how my family inspires my design process.
I specialize in designing custom and one-of-a-kind jewelry pieces made from primarily raw brass, recycled glass from Ghana and Indonesia, and semi-precious gemstones.
I’d like to think that my inspiration sets me apart from other designers since I draw from my family’s ancestral history. IV is the modernization of my family’s heritage through design. Pulling from the colors, designs, and celebrations from what my ancestors experienced, I like to create wearable art. Nature, in all its glory, also inspires a great deal of my jewelry.
The projects I enjoy the most are the special, commissioned pieces. This affords me the honor of really connecting with each client, their vision, and preferences. I feel that I am pushed the most with these projects, given that each client has a way of placing me out of complacent creativity to really achieve what they want.
Commissioned work, as well as all pieces I work on, allows for an interchange of personal stories through the eye of creativity. I thrive in knowing that my designs have the potential of awakening a bit of pride in self for each person that wears a piece of IV.
I am forever grateful for my clients, and I hope I never miss an opportunity to let each one know just how much they are appreciated.
What is “success” or “successful” for you?
Success to me as a jewelry artist is based simply on the connection each client has to one of my pieces, and the emotion that is experienced as they wear what I’ve created for them.
If my clients are happy and confident in my work, but more importantly, in themselves once they put their jewelry, then I’ve considered my job successfully done.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.ivbydavid.com
- Instagram: @ivbydavid
- Facebook: @ivbydavid
Image Credit:
Artist photo by Jarvis Hughes
IG: @jarvishues
Photos of jewelry by Raphael Baker
IG: @raphael_baker
Models (will use jewelry descriptions to indicate models – descriptions not needed for printed/published purposes):
Kimberly H. (Blue Lapis earrings w/ spikes)
Miyesha McGriff (Blue crystal hoop earrings)
Karla Espaillat (Amethyst earrings w/ spikes)
Luisa Cardoso (Aqua jade, drop earrings)
Getting in touch: SDVoyager is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition, please let us know here.
