Dead Ivy; Who Are We and How Did We Get Here?
Born out of curiosity, we’ve been producing handcrafted jewellery out of precious metals since 2020. Coming up to three years in business, we wanted to share how we got here, what inspires us, and what’s in store for the future of Dead Ivy.
What inspired you to get started?
I get asked this all the time and I really don’t know. I have always worn rings and one day just thought, “How the hell do they make these things?” And here we are.
My obsession grew, and I fell in love with the wax carving process. I really enjoy the thought of making things that will be kicking around long after I’m gone.
Why did you choose the lost wax process?
I saw how something could be carved in a medium like wax, with almost endless creative opportunities, and can then be made into a solid piece of metal and thought that is cool and dived head first into it.
From the get-go, I have found wax carving super relaxing, almost meditative at times. I’m always looking to learn and get better, currently working on my 3D sculpturing skills, and have endless opportunities to get better at engraving.
Were you always into art and illustration?
Not at all, actually. I randomly would draw here and there, but never something that was a main focus. I’d say my interest and appreciation for art and tattoos began after high school and it hasn’t stopped since.
I have had multiple people since I started this say “I didn’t know you were creative”, which is an interesting thing to hear. In my opinion, I think everyone is creative and just expresses it differently.
How long did it take to turn Dead Ivy into a business?
I spent around 6 months learning how to make rings with many fuck ups, horrible rings, and lessons learned, before launching Dead Ivy around my birthday in July 2020. This was kind of the start of Covid in Australia, so being locked at home allowed me to just completely focus all my time on it.
We’re coming up to 3 years of working on Dead Ivy, which funnily enough is the longest time I have spent in a single job. I don’t see myself ever stopping and it's nice not having a shitty boss to deal with. I’m continually amazed and grateful people want to buy the things that come out of my mind.
How did you learn about the ring-making process?
Good old Google and youtube took a major role at the beginning. Along with some wax carving books, and online resources helping me refine my skills. I’m sure it started with a “How the hell do they make shiny things?” Google search.
A few jewelers/artists I reached out to on Instagram were able to point me in the right direction and gave me some helpful tips. I try to return the favour as much as I can when people now reach out to me which is still weird to me. But wax carving and jewellery making like anything, if you spend enough time doing it you slowly get better.
How would you describe your style?
Honestly, I don’t even know. It’s definitely a large blend of things and is as ever-evolving as my interests shift from different spaces. My best guess is a blend of simple traditional tattoo flash designs with engraving influences. But who really knows?
What prompted you to add pendants to your collection?
People asking for them actually, and once I made one I realized they are really fun to carve. Got more coming to the collection soon!
Do you see any further expansion into other jewellery types in your future?
Oh yes. I’m currently working on chains for bracelets and necklaces, cuffs, and earrings, and would love to throw some cuff links and small random accessories into the mix. Limited-run Dead Ivy apparel is a thing that is also in the works with a collaboration hoodie to be released very very soon.
You mention your designs have a traditional tattoo inspiration, is there any particular artists you find you draw the most inspiration from?
I wouldn’t say there is one in particular, I take a lot of inspiration from a lot of artists especially the ones who I have collaborated with in the past and plan to in the future.
What’s next for Dead Ivy?
Keep creating, keep improving, and keep growing. The plan is to just generally try to make things I am happy with and think are sick, and hopefully people like them.
The dream result is to have a studio/shop that people can visit. We’re exploring the idea of doing some pop-ups at tattoo conventions toward the end of the year too, will see what I have time for.