How to wear a love of nature
Tory Culen turned a childhood fascination with rocks and pretty stones into Karma Victoria, her own jewelry line.
Tory Culen is kind of a nature nut.
The Edmonton jewelry designer loves long scenic walks in the woods. She has an affinity for the wilderness. The 27-year-old even pursued environmental and conservation science at the University of Alberta.
In 2009, Culen realized her passion for the great outdoors could be cultivated within something much more creative. So she channelled her education and experience trekking in the bush into inspiration for a jewelry line called Karma Victoria.
“As a kid I had this crazy rock and crystal collection, and I knew all of them. All of them,” Culen laughs. “I was super into dinosaur bones and rocks and crystals. That has definitely carried over into my adult life.”
Culen says the design of a single piece of jewelry is often influenced by a certain tree or another nature element that’s stuck with her like a burr. Although there’s no obvious visual connection between the Earth and her designs, Culen says the influence comes through her materials.
She tries to source all of her stones and brass locally, and whenever possible, hand-pick all of her pyrite, labradorite, turquoise, tribal bone beads and Brazilian Blackstone.
Just working with all of the materials makes her feel in touch with nature.
Culen says her designs have come a long ways since her hobby days in high school, when she created funky pieces for friends and family.
“I was always obsessed with the sea. I loved sea shells and stuff, so I would usually make sea shell necklaces for my friends. Drill a hole in it, put it on a string. It was super simple and super easy.”
“I probably wore a sea shell on string around my neck, the same one, for probably three or four years. Everyone was like, ‘That’s really cute!’ and I’m like, ‘It’s just a thing on a string!’”
“As a kid I had this crazy rock and crystal collection...
Tory Culen
Thankfully, Culen has grown out of her seashell phase. Her current line, a mixture of delicate brass necklaces and earrings with simple geometric pendants, feels understated yet bold. Some of the chains make a bit more of a statement with chunky beads and edgy shapes that boast a modern tribal feel.
Her pieces can be found at Red Ribbon, 12505 102nd Ave., and Bamboo Ballroom, 8206 104th St., or can be purchased online at karmavictoria.com.
“Even though I’m environmental science on paper, deep down, I think I’ve always been someone who needs to make things or be creative. It’s kind of taking me down a road I almost feel more satisfied doing.”