We had the good fortune of connecting with Maya Rose Weiss and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Maya Rose, what led you to pursuing a creative path professionally?
Ever since I can remember I have always been creative and couldn’t imagine a life without making art. I grew up in New York State, and began experimenting with weaving, knitting, crocheting and braiding, as soon as I could figure out how to guide my fingers to create forms from fibers and natural materials. I have always been captivated by the natural world and deeply inspired by the alchemy of fibers, intention and the human hand. While studying jewelry design at Pratt Institute in NYC, I began to realize I was drawn to those traditions handed down through the matrilineal line, over the course of generations.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
In my creative practice I seek to expose the reverence and mystery embedded in hand-made, intuitive forms. I explore the interconnection of jewelry and basket weaving as a way to localize this unique intersection of history, craft and lineage. Each piece evolves, to reflect my ever-continuing captivation with both creativity and the natural world. The soft, pliable fibers demand attention, receptivity, and adaptability. Lightweight and idiosyncratic pieces provide a connection to both tradition and innovation. I am always striving to ground my work in both gratitude and reciprocity. Originally from New York, I now reside in Boulder, Colorado, and find great inspiration from the landscape. I have learned that my mistakes are my biggest triumphs, because from them, I have grown the most!

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
My favorite place to take friends is the Boulder Farmers Market. I love picnicking on the grass with a view of the flatirons. I also love learning and talking to the farmers who sell their vegetables.

A hike in the mountains is the perfect way to the end the day. The views are amazing and last time I went, my friends and I found wild raspberries.

I like to discover restaurants that aren’t well known but are delicious. Flower Pepper, located a bit north of downtown Boulder is the perfect authentic Chinese restaurant that has great prices and delicious food.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I would like to recognize Pratt Institute, where I studied. The curriculum, teachers and my peers were integral to grow into the artist I am today.

Website: https://yayaand.com

Instagram: @yayaandjewelry

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