A Kitten Picnic with Cuyler Hovey-King

Embroidered Frenchie Chair necklace, Cuyler Hovey-King, $148


Cuyler Hovey-King is like that really cool girl you admired in high school. You know the one--the girl who could incorporate the kookiest accessories with vintage clothes for an effortlessly chic and original look.  Imagine that girl all grown up and making jewelry with the same kind of unexpected twists and just-right placement as her outfits! 
 
That is Cuyler Hovey-King.

Cuyler's sweet and edgy jewelry reflects her personality: seemingly quiet and reserved, but fabulously witty and eccentric upon closer inspection.  Just one piece of her novel jewelry will save the most ho-hum Monday morning outfit turning it from sorry to spectacular!

I met Cuyler in 2006 while interviewing her to work at shopSCAD Atlanta and she has since become a valued shopSCAD staffer and dear friend.  I was thrilled to promote her to store manager of shopSCAD Atlanta last year.  Since meeting Cuyler, it has been awesome to watch her progression as an artist, and I am eager to see what the future has in store for this illustrious young woman!


Cuyler's jewelry has been featured in 500 Earrings, Lapidary Journal, Lucky Magazine and Daily Candy. 

Embroidered Anchor Necklace, Cuyler Hovey-King, $148

Vintage Truck Brooch Necklace by Cuyler Hovey-King, $124


This little truck is a vintage cracker jack prize!

Follow Kitten Picnic, Cuyler's blog!  

Artist Cuyler Hovey-King with Walter the cat


Cuyler is a huge animal lover and has rescued countless cats and dogs.  She finds strays or fosters animals found in shelters.  Her latest rescue and family member, Walter the cat, was found in the Kroger parking lot. Currently she is also the proud mother of  Zoe (bulldog), Hank (pit bull) and Thomas (orange tabby), she asks that I not turn her in to the Animal Hoarders show! 

Cuyler with boyfriend Andy and dogs Hank and Zoe


Cuyler Hovey-King: Artist Statement
My name is Cuyler, I'm a mixed media jewelry artist based in Atlanta. I spend my time trying to find a balance between creating precious objects, working full time at a wonderful gallery-shop, and running a household full of 2 cats, 2 dogs, and 1 handsome man.

As a child I loved miniatures. Anything miniature – from tiny boxes, to intricate dollhouses, to detailed figurines – precious, tiny objects found untouched on the shelves of dusty curio cabinets. I would collect these small treasures, organize, and display them in shadow boxes; the compartments within gave each trinket a sense of significance.

This childhood fascination with miniatures has manifested itself in my work. Using techniques such as wax-carving, lost-wax casting, enameling, and fabrication I strive to achieve this same sense of preciousness in my jewelry.

Tiny Chair Necklace by Cuyler Hovey-King, sterling silver, $58


This little chair necklace is ridiculously cute and is also available in bronze or 14k gold! Cuyler also makes button necklaces and rings.  

Itty Bitty Button Earrings, Cuyler Hovey-King, $45

Bronze Bow Necklace, Cuyler Hovey-King, $78

Artist Interview: Cuyler Hovey-King 

Amy: Your name is unusual, how did your parents come up with that? 

Savannah landmark noting Cuyler's great grandmother!

Cuyler: Cuyler is an ancestral family name from my Dad's side of the family. The Cuylers came over from Holland in 1664 and were among the first colonial settlers of Savannah. My great (x6) grandmother, Jane LaTouche Cuyler, was a patriot in the American Revolution. There is a Georgia Historical Society marker on Bay street that tells her story (see attached photo). The majority of my Cuyler ancestors are buried in Laurel Grove Cemetery and one is in Colonial Cemetery. There is also a neighborhood in Savannah named for the Cuylers; I believe it is now called Cuyler-Brownsville. My family heritage is one of the things that drew me so strongly to Savannah.

Amy: What are some words that describe your work? 

Cuyler: detailed, playful, precious, sculptural, mixed media, color, texture, humor, vintage-inspired, miniature... 

Amy: What are your favorite materials or medium?

Embroidered Deer necklace, Cuyler Hovey-King, $148

Cuyler: As a trained metalsmith, I very much enjoy working in traditional jewelry mediums, such as sterling silver and yellow gold. I love love love wax carving and casting. All of the birds, deer, bows, etc. (except the chairs and buttons) in my work are all cast from my original wax carvings. As my work has evolved, so has my material choice to include more non-traditional materials, such as fabric, miniature porcelain figurines, dollhouse furniture, and other vintage components. I have also recently learned how to embroider and have incorporated that medium into my jewelry work, as well. 

Amy: What is your intention when creating a new piece? 

Cuyler: I always kind of let my materials lead me when I'm creating a new piece. When I was in school I used to try to plan things out and do a million sketches of how I thought it would turn out, but as I have learned myself and my work, I have found that it works best for me to just dive right in and start making. Sometimes it does result in my messing up and having to start over, but it is a part of my process that keeps my creativity alive. 


Amy: Any rules to keep in mind when accessorizing? 

Embroidered Deer necklace, $148

Cuyler: hmm... tough question as I don't see myself as someone with vast style sensibilities. Personally I think less is more. I like to keep the focal point at one spot on the body; whether it be in a great pair of earrings, a great necklace, amazing bracelet, bracelet/ring combo, or a fun brooch. For instance, I like to layer necklaces, but wouldn't wear a stand-out pair of earrings at the same time. In short, I guess I have weird jewelry rules for myself but am always impressed by people that can wear a bunch at the same time and pull it off. I also think there is something very admirable in being able to feel feminine and pretty without the added glamor of jewels.

Amy: Do you feel naked without your jewelry on? Do you leave home unadorned? 


Cuyler: For myself, I tend to prefer vintage jewelry pieces and wear everyday pieces that are very special to me. I feel naked without my vintage amethyst and yellow gold ring that was given to me by my boyfriend, Andy. The tomboy in me sometimes does leave the house unadorned and I've had to train myself to remember the jewelry element of dressing myself. For me it's definitely all about comfort, uniqueness, and quality.

Bunny Rabbit Ring, $252

Amy: Do you wear your creations?


Cuyler: I do wear some of my own jewelry. I tend to pick out favorites as I make them. Right now, I have been wearing one of my charm necklaces a lot. I tend to like warmer metals and vintage-y feels so I gravitate towards that sort of thing in my designs. Right now for me, the longer the chain, the better. Also, if it makes a jingly noise that's a plus too!

Amy: What are you most proud of? 

Cuyler: My family (including the 4-legged ones), my friends and my home.

Amy: Where are you living and working currently? 

Cuyler: I live in South East Atlanta and have been a proud member of the shopSCAD  Atlanta family since we opened in Fall of 2006. When I'm not working at the shop, I'm at home creating in my studio (or watching the Golden Girls on the sofa with my pups).

Amy: How do you like living in Atlanta? Some favorite things about the city? 

Dollhouse Chair necklace, $62 ( a steal, in my opinion!!)

Cuyler:  I love living in Atlanta; it has the best of both the big city and the small town. Everything is so accessible here. From sourcing materials, to dining out, to enjoying art openings and the nightlife, there is something here for everyone. There are great neighborhoods with a strong sense of community and an appreciation for the handmade and the movement therein. It's also great for me because I am still close to my family, who live about 40 minutes south of Atlanta.   

Amy: What are you most excited about right now?

Cuyler: There are so many things! I feel like my head is in a constant state of thinking and planning. Sometimes it is exhausting, but I've got some ideas for new jewelry and plans on how to (hopefully) grow my business; it's just making the time to get it all done that's the hardest to figure out! I have some home improvement projects I'm dreaming about which are also very exciting.  

Amy: Who are some artists you like? Any favorite SCAD artists? 

Cuyler: As an employee of shopSCAD I get to see work from so many great SCAD artists. A handful of my favorites from the shop are Tim Wirth, Monica Cook, Katie Runnels, Summer Wheat, Marcus Kenney, and Stephanie Howard. 

Amy: What did you get from the time spent at SCAD?

 
Cuyler: My time at SCAD was (and is) very valuable to me. It taught me the importance of hard work and integrity and gave me the drive and skills to become a working artist. I've also made very many wonderful friends that will forever be a part of me.  

shopSCAD info card 2009

Sorry this has been sold, I just had to share it with you

I loved this oversized chair necklace by Cuyler so much that it was used as part of our last shopSCAD information card. Thanks to Chia Chong for this great photograph and to Molly Evans for being our model!

Thank you Cuyler for answering all my questions! 

XOXOXO