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Business & Tech

Berkley Art Bash Preview: Artists Fuses Fashion, Machinery

Janna Bissett of LilacPOP is returning for a second year with her diverse mix of Vogue-style photography and industrial jewelry.

Janna Bissett says she’s a girl who likes to get messy sometimes.

As a professional photographer with a background in graphic design, this Clawson photographer does fine art for a living, even having work in Vogue Italia. But when it comes to her hands-on art, 37-year-old Bissett likes to take an unconventional route.

“I love working on editing on the computer, but sometimes I just want to get messy and work with my hands," Bissett, owner of LilacPOP explained. "So I find the balance between doing both photography and metal work,” 

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Bissett is returning for her second year as an artist at the and will have her vintage-inspired metal jewelry and fine art photography for sale. Her pieces range anywhere from $8-$350, with a piece of jewelry averaging around $40.

Her one-of-a-kind pieces are carefully welded together to make stunning jewelry, though it’s the part where she tears something apart that just might be her favorite step.

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Here she shares a little about herself and love of machinery:

Patch: Tell us a little about the creations you offer.

Bissett: I do both fine art photography printed on metallic paper and also jewelry made from vintage machine parts like antique cash registers from the 1950's and typewriters. 

Q: How did your journey in as an artist first begin?

A: I've always known I would be an artist and started out in graphic design at Western Michigan University. I took a photography class while there and it clicked. I decided to transfer to the University of Michigan and switched my major to photography, but I also took many drawing and painting classes and I really enjoy the tactile experience of getting messy.

I've always been attracted to metal as well, so now I get to fulfill that need with my metal work. My "real job" is a professional photographer. I shoot fine art but also real estate, portraits, fashion, commercial and editorial.

I started using vintage machine parts because I came across a 1950s cash register and wasn't sure what I would do with it, but knew I wanted to take it apart. The pieces inside were extraordinary once polished up and naturally I started making jewelry. I also photographed the pop-up price numbers and offer customized "date photos," which make excellent wedding and anniversary gifts. Now people bring me their old typewriters and vintage buttons or call me from garage sales to see if I want them. The beauty is I get to not only take things apart and see how they work but I get to use a blow torch as well. What else could a girl want?

I also recently started using auto parts in my jewelry. Channel 4 asked me to create jewelry from auto parts for Ashlee Baracy to wear to the Auto Show Charity Preview. It aired on Dateline. It was very different using auto parts, but a challenge that I loved!

Q: Where do you draw your inspiration from?

A: Fashion is a huge influence. Even though I am working with found objects I still take current trends into account. When I am creating my jewelry I often will sit and dig through all of my supplies and pieces and start playing around with different combinations until I find just the right one.

Q: Walk us through the process of making one of your pieces.

A: I take the machines apart myself and my last typewriter took me 14 hours to disassemble it and clean the parts. I then start the designing process and begin to shine the pieces using my dremmel tool and solder pieces together using a blow torch.

Usually I am making about three pieces at the same time because while I am shining a piece up, I am thinking of what would look good for the next one. Plus there are parts of the process that require waiting, like when I am applying a patina and letting it sit in the chemicals.

Q: What does being an artist mean to you?

A: Everyone defines art in a different way. For me, it's a need that I have to fulfill. I can't imagine doing anything else. I am always thinking visually of what will work for a photo shoot or jewelry piece. I can't sit still either and I bore easily, so I have to be doing something new all the time. Therefore, most of my pieces are one-of-a-kind because I hate repeating them.

One of my favorite things at art fairs is when a customer really appreciates and is delighted in my work. When someone tells me that they get compliments on my jewelry whenever they wear it, it is very rewarding. 

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