JARED GOLD

Fine artist and fashion designer Jared Gold creates magical paper luminaries.

"Everyone seems to be filled with judgement and anger and has forgotten how powerful empathy can be to change everything around you. By using toys as a herald of these emotions, the message becomes very difficult to resist." - Jared Gold

Tell us about your background/ story? 

I am originally from Idaho and I was building and designing from a very young age. I was welding at 8 and spent a lot of time repairing cars with my dad. In my teen years I was tackling much more complex builds such as a jukebox, motorized puppets and large scale toys for the neighborhood. In the early 90's I was so inspired by Andy Warhol and taught myself to screenprint which evolved into a garage-based rave clothing company called House Jugular. After touring the US with Lollapalooza for a few years selling my wares, I wanted to refine my construction abilities so I applied to Otis College of Art and Design in Los Angeles. I loved the technical element of pattern making and totally embraced its ability to turn flat forms into 3D expressions. I began working at the infamous Fred Segal where I started selling my very early designs to the edgelords of the Hollywood scene. Eventually the publicity around this work landed me accounts with Barneys, Henri Bendel, Beams Tokyo and Brown's London. I realized at this point that fashion was more about shock and awe and I started holding runway events in both New York and LA to show everyone what I was made of. I was showing in New York during the 9/11 attacks and witnessed the entire fashion playing field collapse. At this point I realized a more affordable and accessible take on fashion may have more longevity, so I launched my streetwear collection Black Chandelier. Eventually I moved the brand to Salt Lake into the Bennett Paint and Glass Building on 100 South and started hiring and training the staff of my own local fashion house. 

How do you describe your recent work with toys, paper art and luminaries? 

Toys are a natural evolution from fashion for me. Everything I have ever made is imbued with a whimsy and wordless story that is so suited to toys. Taking 2D designs and translating them to a 3D structure is also a skill borrowed from fashion patternmaking. I love the ephemerality of paper and how it manages to negate pretension in design, it really does add a tenderness to these toys. In pursuing these toys, my motivation is actually to broadcast certain emotions that people have pushed into the back of their minds as they "grow up". Everyone seems to be filled with judgement and anger and has forgotten how powerful empathy can be to change everything around you. By using toys as a herald of these emotions, the message becomes very difficult to resist. Toys have the power to force you to be present with them. Do you remember what the world felt like when your wonder was still in play? Can you let go of your fear and settle into allow? Is your bitterness more important than lilacs? 

What’s integral to your work as an artist? 

I have dozens of sketchbooks filled with the craziest shit. I truly believe that sketchbooks are magic... If you draw something in there, it comes true. The idea that you can just sit alone for hours creating a world with inky lines grants a level of god-like wizardry to even the rawest of beginners. This points out another element integral to my work, which is endless hours spent alone. I walk and meditate every day, just letting the joy and preposterous spontaneity build.

How do you feel your art has evolved and expanded over time? 

I think the technical refinement of art is one of the most exciting things to see. I am in constant pursuit of the cutting edge, whether it be software or equipment to help me render these ideas and emotions more clearly. The current iteration of the paper luminaries was only made possible late last year due to the availability of new plotter and UV printing technology.

What has been a seminal experience?

One day a letter came to Black Chandelier from the mother of one of our customers. It was such a gracious thank you for providing a place that their child could feel free and accepted. She had been struggling with depression and was given a new lease on life after feeling seen and respected by other outsiders. At the time, I remember being stunned. Stunned by the responsibility I had no idea I had taken on. Now, I take this so seriously, the constant realization that my work may be a beacon in the dark for someone that does not feel they have a voice. I am here for you, take my hand if you need it.

What is your dream project?

I am chomping at the bit to build some large scale toys. I love the idea of installations and being able to present a fully immersive experience to people. A way to whisk you away.

What’s the best piece of advice you’ve been given?

"When in doubt...go harder."

I wrote this on my Trapper Keeper 40 years ago.

IG: @goldjared

www.sutrasofdelight.com

Art

Jared