JUSTINE MURRAY

I grew up by the sea.  Summers were spent on windswept beaches, digging for crabs in the shallows and running happily through the sea grass laden sand dunes on the east coast of England.  During weekends, I would take a walk or cycle ride along the sea cliff where the keen salt-filled east wind would whip up the seahorses, frothy and sparkling in the sunlight.  On the horizon waves would break on the sand banks.   Those memories are splendid.  I love the sea and I have never lived far from it.  Coastal waters have such a grounding and calming effect on the spirit and yet stir a sense of playful excitement in all their unpredictable glory.

There’s a simple unhurried elegance in nature, so pure, so logical, not overdressed.  Mesmeric patterns in the construction of shells, the salt-fragrant beauty of sand hiding a million tiny treasures. Such complex works of creation that appear effortless in design represent true elegance.

The pleasure of incorporating the natural world into wearable art is my way of acknowledging its beauty. Combining soft pearls with crisp cut crystals and sea glass connect soft and hard-surfaced objects, and the perfect contrast.  Each design blends natural elements with eclectic materials, crystals, raw silks ribbons, loomed and hand woven French laces, wooden beads, rare stones and embellishments.  It’s my life’s work to draw these elements together to create timeless heirlooms to be celebrated and passed down through generations.

An early morning walk by the ocean close to my home in San Diego is still an inspiration for me.  Such beauty in the ebb and flow of the tide, crisp salt-fresh air, unusual shells, driftwood and abundance of sea glass.  The bordering lagoons are filled with wild flowers and drought tolerant plants inspiring the use of soft color, leaves and vines for a new sash or hair vine to delight the senses.

It has always been my desire to live a simple and uncluttered life surrounded by the people I love in a peaceful and beautiful space.  I take joy from an afternoon of reading a favorite book with a cup of Assam tea in my favorite tea cup with our black cat Drummer and new addition, little 3 legged Rocky, purring away on my lap.  The time and space created to design is a credit to my amazing team at our Solana Beach studio.  I’m grateful also to my fabulous, endearing friends for their support, and for the love of my life, my husband Stephen for his beautiful Scottish honest and unwavering encouragement during our 22-year marriage.

Please take an unhurried moment to enjoy our offerings.

Justine