Bulk & custom orders
Consignment, craft sales
To purchase online, arrange to view the current Superpostion collection, or to place a custom order, contact Rachael LK Kurynny at:
rachaellkk@gmail.com
superpositionpendants@gmail.com
503.998.2923
www.superpositionpendants.tumblr.com
Superposition Pendants are also available at the following retail locations:
*Cypress Salon (PDX)
*Mirador Community Store (PDX)
*Plue Toy Store (PDX)
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www.mathsense.tumblr.com
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Sellwood Bee Article / Text
The full text of the February Sellwood Bee Article:
Sellwood teacher creates “upcycled” jewelry
SUSTAINABLE LIVING
Sellwood teacher Rachael L. K. Kurynny creates “upcycled” custom jewelry from repurposed game pieces and paper memorabilia.
“Upcycling” is a unique term that describes creating something new from salvaged materials.
Sellwood resident Rachael L. K. Kurynny has developed a unique line of personalized jewelry — created from upcycled game pieces and paper memorabilia.
Her distinctive pendants, created from orphaned dominoes and wooden game pieces, are available through several local outlets, as well as online HERE.
The Portland native and Sellwood resident is a teacher of middle school Math and Science at Northwest Academy, but she credits her creative bent to her former Sellwood Middle School Art teacher, Elizabeth Capps.
“Ms. Capps taught us creativity with the concept that it was okay to try something new and fail. She told us there is no ‘right answer’ to Art. It was a very liberating and nurturing experience,” reveals Kurynny, a self-proclaimed former perfectionist who now delights in the creative process: Occasional mistakes are now seen simply as stepping-stones on the path to her unique jewelry lines.
Kurynny earned a degree in Geology at Vassar College, which is where she developed the “layered” aspect of her jewelry.
“In Geology, we learned Steno’s Law of Super Position: Due to gravity, older material is going to be on the bottom, and the younger layers are on top,” she explains. “I liked the idea that my jewelry had a new layer stratified over a recycled base, and decided to name my business ‘Superposition’.” Her “sustainable art” jewelry is featured in the January 2010 issue of “Oregon Home” magazine.
“I take old game pieces, glue on images from paper memorabilia, and then layer on several strata of non-toxic, water-resistant glaze. The most important step is producing a bubble-free surface. The old materials transform and emerge as modern, wearable art. It’s a great way to preserve paper ephemera that have special meaning to the wearer.” Depending on the fastener, these can be worn as pendants or pins, or made into refrigerator magnets, key-chains and holiday ornaments.
“I do a lot of custom jewelry for bridal parties, grandparents and pet owners,” she says. “Usually I make pendants in 1- or 2-part sets, using photographs or other paper items that are special to the client. People are really excited by these personalized pieces, and are pleased with their ‘sustainable’ aspect in today’s ‘green’ movement.”
Kurynny collaborates with four local friends — Rachael Torchia, Don Olson, Kelva Martensen, and Lena Tsiorba — in making thematic yet affordable, personalized jewelry.
“I consider myself a creative crafter, and also teach the system at craft parties and classes,” she reports.
She has sold her pendants at local shows, and has various collections available at different galleries. Currently you can see them at Cypress Day Spa in Westmoreland, Plue in Woodstock, Mirador, and at the Goode Gallery. “I so appreciate these businesses that have supported me so far,” she smiles.
