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After sending my Mucha prototypes to NCMA, I was told they needed to be approved. I had no idea they were sending my designs to Mucha's great grandson.
To my delight, Marcus Mucha, who heads the Mucha Foundation, replied: These are stunning! We love them! Very happy for you to move forward with these. OMG, Mucha's own descendant just complimented my work. I was on a serious high.
Working with the Mucha Foundation was a true honor. Having an officially licensed product, seeing the Mucha logo on my own packaging, blew my mind—and gave me serious bragging rights with my Czech relatives.
I'm so thankful that NCMA gave me the opportunity.
Experimentation
Translating Mucha's sinuous curves into a laser-friendly design was a challenge. To replicate his delicate linework, I experimented with laser engraving and laser cutting.
Mucha Mod
I explored two design avenues—one modern, one more traditional. For ‘Mucha Mod’ I applied my usual oversized scale and modern colors. The two-tone acrylic helped accentuate the linework and the high-contrast colors contributed to the modern aesthetic. Below is the page from Combinaisons Ornementales which shows Mucha's original shape.
Mucha Traditional
I knew there’d be Mucha lovers out there looking for jewelry with a softer touch, so taking a few more cues from Art Nouveau, I created a more feminine design.
I honed in on a frosted gold acrylic, the patina has a special beauty and sophistication. This material was discontinued several years ago. I’ve been holding onto my last three sheets for an ultra special project.
Sometimes I get stuck when it comes to designing new shapes for my jewelry. Looking at Mucha’s work reminds me that the possibilities are endless. No matter how many times I look at these shapes, I’m still mesmerized by their uniqueness.
Above are Mucha's own jewelry designs. My price points don't accommodate precious stones, but I did notice the freshwater pearls he used were quite similar to those strung on a vintage necklaces of mine. So for a more formal design, my faux pearls became an upcycled design alternative. (I only had enough pearls for 25 pairs, so these are even more limited edition!)
Mucha Multiplied
Combinaisons Ornementales advertised its designs as “multipliable to infinity with the aid of a mirror”. For this bracelet design, I took that idea to heart—multiplying and overlapping one shape.
With a larger surface area, I was able to achieve the intricate detail that Art Nouveau is known for.
Product Dabbling
My graphic background guided these last few non-jewelry designs.
Using walnut wood painted gold, I engraved Mucha's artwork to create special keepsakes.
My favorite was this 12" cartouche which featured Moon from the Moon and Stars series.
It was a privilege to fuse my own brand with Mucha's work, a joy to see how the old can mingle with the new.
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