Meet Allison Slingluff, your Chicago talent. Born in Berwyn, IL and raised in Chicago’s sweet Hinsdale area, Allison has had jewelery making on her mind since youth. Graduating from University of Iowa in metal working and jewelry, Allison then moved to San Fransisco and began selling her pieces around Fisherman’s Wharf, Union Square, local art shows and Farmers markets. Wanting a change in inspiration, she then went off and pursued grad studies in computer aided design & manufacturing + fine art history at the Tyler School of Art in Philadephia.
Allison is now in Chicago designing simple, minimal and elegant pieces made for people that represent her jewelry’s philosophy.
Your company Three Circles Chicago seems to have participated in many shows and markets. Why is that?
Besides using my current Etsy shop, I enjoyed markets and shows because I was able to interact with my customers and customize pieces. I also strongly believe in giving back to the community and in conserving our resources and found those shows would surround me with other artists and farmers. I believe, I learned my “less is more “ lifestyle living out west.
Here in Chicago, I dedicate time to local charities which support families, strive to feed my kids locally grown foods, and try to buy locally produced items with the environment in mind. I create my own designs using lasting materials and rely on jewelry tradespeople and hand monogrammers that are Chicago based.
Your personality is very warm and gentle clearly reflecting your work. Tell us more about your concept.
I try to make my pieces simple and unique. Pieces essentially being only what they need to be which is often more difficult to create. Simple design without additional embellishments for embellishments sake. I study my designs and want elements to be proportioned and balanced. I want my clients to have jewelry pieces they will treasure for a life. Not just a trendy piece, those are fun, too. But, I want to design wearable art that is timeless and blends with more trendy items. Also,I hope my work is a conversation piece. People are asked about their monogram pieces and the wearable geodes, and the stacker rings. The pieces are different looking and reflect personal style.
Family
How is Chicago inspiring your work?
Great question, Ok. The view eastward on Washington Street heading toward the lake is striking. I see this when I drive our Prius ( gas conscious) to Jewelers Row. There is something about the way the city buildings frame a piece of the Pritzker Pavilion metal shell from that street. It is the juxtaposition of the metal, the sky, and the permeance of the city buildings. I appreciate that view every trip. The energy downtown is inspiring to me. Finally, I make time and cherish “twenty minute jaunts” into the The Art Institute. I briefly check my email at entry, then look around and take in a few pieces. I will see only a couple pieces of art, or a swing into modern wing exhibit . It’s therapy, I swear. That museum is a Chicago gem. Both the old and fab new galleries juxtaposed. Magnificent place.
