I have the great pleasure of introducing you to a good friend of ours who we met whilst travelling in Japan last year. Asher is another example of someone who has reassessed what he wanted from life and has started out on his own to satisfy those deep yearnings that just don’t go away otherwise.
My name is Asher Freeman and I am a jewellery designer/maker from New Zealand. I have been in the jewellery industry for about 10 years and have just made the big move in starting my own company, Freeman Jewellery Design. I believe strongly in being ethical on all levels – from the integrity of the design and make of the piece, to the materials used being ethically supplied.
1. How are you leading a life ‘doing what you love’?
By being honest to my inspirations, ideals and dreams.
2. What did you do before this?
Before starting Freeman Jewellery Design, I worked for a high market boutique jewellery store in Auckland, New Zealand, for about 7 years. It was the perfect introduction and training ground for getting deeper into jewellery design and make after completing a 3 year Diploma with High Distinction at The Peter Minturn Goldsmith School.
3. What motivated you to open up on your own?
The push came from two directions. One from the creative side – Having the freedom and potential to explore and create from anything that inspires me. And from the ethical side – The frustration in seeing how much damage the jewellery industry can cause, and wanting my life’s work to have a positive impact on all in it.
4. We had the privilege of meeting and becoming friends whilst in Japan. How did your travels and the experience of another culture impact you?
It was an eye opener to say the least! Meeting numerous inspiring people like yourselves, it was a massive insight into the different ways that people live their lives. It has given me a huge appreciation for the people in my life, and the gratitude of being able to be part of their lives.
5. Have you seen any Oriental influence in your work?
I definitely have, though its not always obvious. In some pieces, it has had a motif influence that you can see a direct link (like the Shubunkin Belt Buckle), and in other pieces, more the mentality that they use to approach their design. The ideal of perfection in design and make, to create beautiful things for beauty’s sake.
6. Could you explain a little about your company and why it represents you?
My vision for Freeman Jewellery is that it will produce pieces of jewellery made to the highest standard in design and make, that will be loved by the wearer. While doing this, I also want it to support anyone involved in the process, from the person mining the metal or gems to the person cutting them etc. It represents me as it is born out my ideals and how I want my life to be lived, and a belief in a sustainable way of living.
7. Why jewellery?
Because I love making beautiful things, and the expression that jewellery allows in doing this makes it incredibly satisfying. It is also very humbling to see my work being worn and loved.
8. Your new venture is your ‘new beginning’. What do you hope it has in store for you?
Many many things! I have to confess I dream large. I’m hoping that the business will allow me to have the freedom and opportunity to create pieces that inspire and amaze people, and fill them with wonder. I am also hoping to become involved with the ethical gemstone community, being active in supporting and promoting it, so that real change will come to the people affected by it. It is my hope that in a time to come, with greater public awareness of these issues, demand for ethically sourced material will be so widespread that it becomes industry standard.
9. What is the best advice you have received?
This is a tough question. I have been given lots of little gems (no pun intended) of advice that build off each other. But if I had to pick out one, I would say that it is to always remember why I am doing this, and to have patience in getting there. It’ll take time.
10. What do you think the key is to following and fulfilling a passion and ultimately ‘doing what you love’?
I think that it is being honest with yourself, in both where you are currently at and where you are headed. There are always going to be trials, but it’s how you work through them that will make your dreams become reality.
If you you would like to find out more information about Asher and his company you can visit his website or follow via his Facebook page and Instagram.
