Leili Kasraie is the mastermind behind Brass + Bones, which is quickly becoming Atlanta’s source for handcrafted, simple geometric accessories. Growing up in a family with an Iranian background, the Pittsburgh-born, Emory-schooled Leili was immersed in the culture from an early age, mesmerized by the simple components of traditionally ornate, Iranian patterns. Which explains Brass + Bones’ Iranian-textile-inspired aesthetic, with simple, shiny shapes that are certainly more brass than bone.
Leili’s creative journey started a mere year and half ago when, pressed for birthday ideas for a close friend, she opted to go with something that was both personal and handmade—a process that Leili loves, by the way. Her angular brass baubles attracted droves of admirers, and thus, she set out into the exciting world of starting her own creative business… and she hasn’t looked back. She’s now a frequent vendor at places like Borderline Gallery and events like Indie Craft Experience.
CommonCreativ chatted with Leili to find out more about her metal-smithing journey, hear her tricks for successful creating and find out that, yes, she likes Iranian food…a lot.
CommonCreativ: You’ve been able to turn a fun hobby into a (fun) career. How did you make that happen?
Leili Kasraie: I started doing something I really enjoyed, just for the sake of doing it. It became something more because of the positive feedback from people around me. I’m fortunate to have such a lovely community of friends—we all root for one another, it’s the best!
CC: Any advice for other artists looking to do the same?
LK: As someone who’s just starting out, I’m not sure how to advise other artists—I often give myself little pep talks. I remind myself to stay true to my own vision, and not to follow anyone who says or does anything that keeps me from reaching my goals. I also try to make sure I allow myself to celebrate the little victories along the way—it’s important to acknowledge forward progression, no matter how big or small.
CC: How long have you been creating unique jewelry?
LK: I started Brass + Bones about a year and a half ago but, looking back on my childhood, it’s always been in the making. I was a tomboy who loved making jewelry—weird, I know. Some of my fondest memories are of my grandmother taking me to the craft store; I remember almost feeling paralyzed by the overwhelming number of options and possibilities. Luckily, I still feel the same way—like there are endless possibilities, and I can’t wait to continue exploring and learning. It’s one of the most exciting and motivating things about this adventure.
CC: Are you self-taught?
LK: Up to this point, yes. I recently started a metal-smithing class and I’m looking for more opportunities to learn—that’s my priority right now. I want to learn as much as possible.
CC: What’s your creative process?
LK: I don’t have a full metal-smithing setup in my apartment studio, so my creative process is often a negotiation between what I dreamed up and what I’m currently capable of in the real world. In a way, this negotiating has taken some of the overwhelming [feelings] out of the design process, and shown me that having some constraints can really foster creativity.
CC: What is it about jewelry-making that you find most fulfilling?
LK: I love working with my hands. There’s no feeling more satisfying than putting in hard work, and then celebrating your creation in three-dimensional, physical, real life.
CC: Your style is both angular and elegant. What drew you toward these characteristics?
LK: I’m definitely inspired by Iranian textiles. We had many traditional rugs and tapestries in our home, and the patterns and colors are mesmerizing—you can really get lost in them. The patterns are so intricate and ornate, but they’re really just an assemblage of many, many simpler shapes. I enjoy experimenting to find my own balance between the simple and ornate.
CC: How would you describe the Atlanta creative community?
LK: It’s really charged, growing and exciting! There’s this energy in the air that’s picking up speed—it feels like springtime on the farm (the farm being Atlanta, of course): the seeds are planted, and now it just needs some good ol’ hard work and TLC to keep things growing. I can’t wait to see what the future of Atlanta’s creative community brings.
CC: Are you a huge fan of any ATL creative projects?
LK: Of course! Where do I start? If you haven’t seen any of The Object Group’s performances—they’re spectacular. I also adore the work of Catellier Dance Projects, I always walk away from their performances feeling electrified. What Living Walls has done for Atlanta is great, too; I love how so many seemingly forgotten spaces have been reanimated by their efforts.
CC: What’s your favorite thing you’ve ever made? This includes food and kindergarten art projects.
LK: Well, since you brought food into the equation—I must confess that I love food, and I love to cook. Some of my greatest victories have definitely been in the kitchen. My father’s side of the family is from Iran so we had a lot of Iranian food and culture in our home growing up. Recently, I’ve taken to learning how to make some of these traditional dishes. It takes a lot of time and patience, but is all the more rewarding when it results in something delicious, and reminiscent of childhood. Not to mention, it makes my apartment smell like paradise
Like Brass + Bones on Facebook here to keep up with where you can buy her wares around town
