▲ Bio:
Marlee Cheyanne Watts is a graduate from the Alberta College of Art + Design’s Jewellery + Metals program. After graduation Watts moved to Montreal, QC where she opened her shop, North West Jewellery. Recently she moved back to Calgary, Ab where she continues to develop her business. Her practice focuses on the body. This interest in adornment inspires her love for jewellery, wearable art and fashion.

▲ A brief story of what you do and why you do it:
I have been making a variety of handmade jewellery and wearable art, specializing in metal work and wire wrapping for the past 9 years. I graduated from The Alberta College of Art + Design with a BFA specializing in Jewellery + Metals in 2013. After graduation I moved to Montreal, putting my degree to use in the belief that my passion could help support me. I moved to Montreal with no French so I knew I would have to be creative in how I would run my business. This is when I started up my first Etsy shop, MarleeCWatts. I now travel between Calgary and Montreal where I sell to numerous shops and take part in local craft sales in both cities. To my delight, my work has been well received and my business continues to grow!

▲ How did you get into jewellery design?:
In high school I discovered The Alberta College of Art + Design and their Jewellery + Metals program. I had never made jewellery or worked with metal before, but for some reason I was drawn down that path. It was a good thing that I excelled in metal working because some find it very tedious and difficult. After graduation I took a brief break from metalsmithing and taught myself a variety of wire wrapping and jewelry making techniques. Now, I integrate all of these techniques into my current work.

▲ Describe your style and inspirations:
My collections showcase a variety of techniques and materials. My work is inspired by two very different cities, the frequent changes in my surroundings and the resources available to me at the time. I am always teaching myself new approaches and exploring new materials to keep myself inspired.

I often find it difficult to describe my style because I enjoy creating various designs with something for everyone. My dominant style of ethereal, bohemian pieces are inspired by my passion for raw crystals and the idea of utilizing these crystals’ energies to connect with an individual wearer. The unique energy and story that a stone holds (and wearer connects with) is something that fascinates me. Creating a talisman or amulet with a manifested meaning that makes it special to its owner is something truly magical.

Many of my looks allude to primitive culture and fantasy and often possess a ceremonial or ritualistic appearance. My interest with this aesthetic is inspired by my experiences at music festivals. The one closest to my heart is Shambhala, which takes part in Salmo, BC ever year. A large part of the inspiration comes from he tribe-like atmosphere as people come together to celebrate their shared values of positive energy, interconnectedness with nature and their love for music, art and craft. The costumes and adornment at these events are a huge part of what inspire my jewellery and wearable art collections.

▲ What’s something unusual about you that makes you “you”?:
I grew up as a cowgirl, horseback riding western style for most of my young life. I helped to train horses and worked on a family cattle farm. These unique experiences helped me to develop patience, confidence and self-awareness at a young age. My experiences traveling in India, South East Asia, Europe as well as attending various music festivals around the world also helped to shape me into the open, adaptable and positive person that I am now. I would also have to say my fascination with body modification has a lot to do with who I am and has helped shape my jewellery practice.