LanaBetty pushes limits of 3D design
Would you wear a piece of jewelry that had been printed from a 3D printer?
Before you answer that, you may want to examine the pieces on offer from LanaBetty jewelry.
The Vancouver-based jewelry line features chic pieces such as gemstone earrings, geometric rings and custom cursive name necklaces that are worthy of a second (and third look). Especially once you learn how they’re made. Lana Leppe, the designer behind the brand, chatted with Postmedia News about her designs, ethical sourcing and pushing the limits of 3D design:
Q For those who aren’t familiar, what is LanaBetty jewelry?
A LanaBetty is a contemporary jewelry line based in Vancouver. My studio sits just off Main Street and Broadway in Mount Pleasant and it overlooks our gorgeous city and stunning mountains. I make geometric contemporary jewelry by combining 3D printing and traditional techniques. Each piece is made by me using only the best materials and supplies.
Q How would you describe the design esthetic?
A The design esthetic for LanaBetty is definitely modern and geometric. I prefer the sharp angles and striking graphic elements, because it really challenges people’s understanding of how 3D printing is so vastly different than traditional techniques.
Q Did you have a formal background in jewelry design, or was it more of a passion project?
A When I was growing up, I never knew jewelry design could be a thing. I studied hard, earned a B.Sc. biology at the University of British Columbia Okanagan and immediately began a career in food safety and quality analysis. Once school was over and that daily grind of “the real job” began to set in, I found myself incredibly bored. It was a few years after graduation that I began to teach myself to make jewelry. At first, I made some pretty terrible jewelry — horrendous, really. But my friends encouraged me and I continued to develop my skills and esthetic. When I moved to Vancouver in 2011 and learned how competitive the local artisan scene truly is, I became very excited. Finally, a challenge!
Q The 3D geometric element of your designs is really cool! What can you share about that?
A It’s really quite fun to take this really logical, rule-oriented 3D design element and smash it into the creative outlet I’ve evolved it into. We are really living in what we once could have called “the future” in terms of design. If I can imagine it and create a matching 3D model, there exists somewhere a machine with the capability to make it into a real, solid object.
Q What types of “rules” are there?
A To design for 3D printing, one must thoroughly understand the specifications of the printer, the technique in which the printing occurs and how to translate that from 2D to 3D. I am basically adding that lens of logic to my designs, allowing me to create jewelry you cannot find anywhere else in the world.