Elisa Gonsalves' work studio looks like someone has busted open a pirate's treasure chest and strewn the contents across it. Iridescent beads, semi-precious stones, gold chains, and colorful charms intermingle with piles of what appear to be instruments of torture.
Always under construction
"I use straight tools," Elisa said. Leather punchers, wire cutters, drills, hammers, grommets and a wood burner are everyday tools of the trade for this artist, a jewelry designer whose work appears in boutiques, fashion events and trade shows all over the United States. Gonsalves has slowly created a committed following with her eclectic, quality pieces that canvas the creative gamut of mood: edgy, dark romantic, religious iconic, high-tea elegant, bohemian.
Simplicity: Not the key "I get inspired by my nana's trunkful of fun vintage jewelry."
Elisa got her start about four years ago.Favorite materials include turquoise, coral, shells, horn, bone, snake skin and stingray leather. Gonsalves prides herself in only quality materials that appeal to her in a special way. Dedicated scavenging is a full-time job in itself, and Gonsalves roams gem shows, swap meets, even the Vatican, for beautiful objects and charms.
Onward and upward
Now solidly established in Southern California with a design résumé tracking successful trade shows and fashion events, not to mention as many store accounts as she can handle, Gonsalves is looking to expand even more through out the states. Although she's grown accustomed to seeing models sport her art on smaller runways, the Woodland native got her first taste of fame at San Francisco's Fluid Ultra Lounge VIDA NOVA fashion event hosted by Rock 'n' Roll Hall of Famer, Grandmaster Flash. She has also been featured and recognized in San Diego City Beat, 944, Shecky's Media and Surfshot.
But no matter what, the art stays personal. "Each piece has so many stories," she said. ""And I like to take the time to explain each one to my customers. It's good when people understand what goes into making my jewelry. And I like to educate them about what they're getting, so they can appreciate it even more."