Artist Profile | Lemon Dried Designs

Join us this Thursday with Lemon Dried Designs as we kick off The Mill After Dark. Shop, sip and enjoy the debut of Reagan Gibson’s collection of ceramic jewelry.

There’s something about the organic sculptural forms being translated into jewelry that we absolutely love. We can’t wait for you to see the collection and find a piece that speaks to you.

We know you are as antsy as we are to learn more about her inspiration - so here’s a sneak peek inside.

The Mill: We’ve seen a few pieces but we can’t wait to see what other styles you launch during your pop-up with us this Thursday. Can you spill the beans a little bit? What can we expect to see? And what inspired this collection?

Reagan: I am so excited for the opportunity to share these designs through a pop up! The Mill embodies a minimal, timeless style and I believe these pieces have that same simplistic and statement making design that we love. With the current Autumn / Winter seasons, this collection will reflect those warm, crisp earth tones that draw us in to this time of year while also maintaining a minimal touch. 

The Mill: Without giving away too many secrets, do you have any behind the scenes info you can tell us? Or show us? Seeing the work an artist puts into pieces gives you that emotional connection - so we want to know and see what makes your pieces come to life. Do you have a vision before you start each piece or do they kind of evolve as you go?

Reagan: As I am sure you can relate to also, it can change from day to day. Once I’m in the flow of things and working on shaping, a lot of new designs will come to me as I’m piecing them together and I can continue to build on from there. I’ve never been much for drawing, but there are times that while I’m at work or even at home cooking in the kitchen, I’ll think of certain patterns and shapes that I have to be sure to draw out before they slip my mind. It is sort of funny how once you’re so invested in a project, you’ll get new creative ideas to elaborate on even when you’re not necessarily in the middle of working on that project!

The Mill: Traveling and fellow creatives are a huge source of inspiration for us at The Mill. Where/what do you find you are most inspired and influenced by?

Reagan: Anyone that has met me knows I have a huge heart for nature and plants, so I tend to find a lot of inspiration from those ethereal textures and tones and is why I feel so lead to work with clay. Also, I am really inspired by artists like Bobby Clark, Renne Gouin, and Ronan & Erwan Bouroullec. I find it intriguing when artists create pieces purely driven by a texture or pattern, or tones that speak to them to create a new contrast. Something as simple as my mom’s rosemary bush in her front yard, or seeing an abstract painting that resonates with me can all be inspirational when deciding new pieces for a collection.

The Mill: I know for me personally, there a few things that spark creativity and get those juices flowing. Do you have any workspace must-haves? Like a cup of coffee, or a certain kind of music playing in the background that help make the process more enjoyable?

Reagan: One of the greatest things that I love about working with clay is that it is such a change from a usual day working on my computer! I can put on a Phoebe Bridgers or Brother Bird playlist, cozy up with a latte and really get immersed in working. Of course, I always have to make sure my favorite candle from The Mill is lit in my work space too, the Prosecco candle from Antica Farmacista.  

The Mill: If you had to, could you pick a piece you’ve created that is your favorite? What draws you to this piece? ​

Reagan: Large, detailed earrings haven’t always been a common find in my jewelry box, but these clay jewels are so lightweight, it is easier to gravitate towards the more intricate and eclectic shaped pairs. Anything I can make in a lush, rich green will always be my favorite. Maybe because it reminds me the most of foliage and what inspired me to launch Lemon Dried in the first place... A combination of these tones with a unique, funky shape quickly grab my heart. 

In love and can’t wait to get your hands on a pair? Join us Thursday from 5-7pm.