ABOUT

: Photo by Eva Kolenko
http://www.evakolenko.com; KATE ELLEN is a self-taught ‘Best Of’ jewelry designer and metalsmith based out of Oakland, California. Her retail boutique, CROWN NINE, is located in the historic Old Oakland district and houses her work alongside the work of over 20 jewelry artists and serves as a gallery/host for Oakland Art Murmur First Friday receptions.

KATE ELLEN’S work is entirely handcrafted in her humble studio at THE HIVE in Jack London Square. She focuses on marrying the industrial with the natural and uses a mixture of ancient techniques to craft her unique work. Her design philosophy centers around simplicity, timelessness, and “things I want to wear myself,” says the artist.

KATE ELLEN intentionally crafts her work to look and feel handmade, each piece made lovingly at her workbench with attention to detail while maintaining the very ‘touched’ look her work is known for. Being a highly tactile creature, KATE ELLEN designs making certain it feels and sounds as beautiful as it looks.

In Her Words

Making jewelry is my total unexpected dream life come true. I never expected my life would be what it is, but I couldn’t ask for anything more. I get to create beautiful treasures that other people take such good care of and enjoy everyday. I love working hard in my studio and perfecting my craft, working directly with my darling clients, and running Crown Nine.

My favorite part of the work is creating wedding and commitment jewelry– I always knew it would be special to be involved with a couple’s wedding rings, but each time I am so surprised by how deep this honor is. Once a couple works with me, it’s kind of like they become my people–I can’t really explain it except that it is such an intimate thing to be a part of. My bridal work ranges from the vastly understated to the traditional with a hand-wrought feel, so I feel like I can make a broad swath of clients really happy.

How She Started

KATE ELLEN grew up on the wild fields and tall misty redwood forests of West Marin, California. As a child she roamed free in the creeks, trails, and hilltops, deeply rooting her connection to the earth and nature. She earned a degree at California State University, Monterey Bay in social work and public health. After years working as a social worker, sex education teacher, 2nd grader teacher in the Bronx, Kate Ellen found her creative calling. “I always daydreamed about being a painter, a singer, a dancer– but none of these things came very naturally to me. When I found metal work, I was instantly in a groove. My hands just seemed to know what to do. And I enjoy the thrill and excitement of wielding dangerous tools and getting dirty at work everyday. The process very much appeals to the tomboy in me, and the end product adorns the girl in me.”