Katy Kippen is the designer of grayling.  She runs the company out of her workshop and studio in Portland, Oregon. 

She was born in South Dakota and spent much of her life overseas, where her father was a commander in the United States Air Force. 

Her family encouraged creativity and exploration, and never set limits on what she could do. Her father spent much of his free time refurbishing antique muskets and collecting artifacts. On rare occasions, she would catch her father painting a canvas. Her mother sought work as a musician wherever the family was stationed and taught her children how to make the best of any situation.

Kippen's grandfather was a lapidary (a fancy term for a stone cutter) and jewelry artist; he picked up agates and fossils everywhere he went. She and her family inherited his private stone collection when he passed away.

At a young age, Kippen was inspired by a trip to the Custer Battlefield Trading Post in Montana. She adored the dazzling woven cuffs and earrings made from tiny cut seed beads. Soon after, her grandmother gave her a beading loom and her first designs were born. Just before she turned 16, Kippen enrolled in a jewelry class and learned basic metalsmithing techniques. Several independent studies in lost-wax casting, enameling, and repousee followed.

Kippen pursued a college degree in Art, but ended up with one in Marketing. Some might say she temporarily abandoned her passion of jewelry making for practical reasons. Shortly after graduation, she was hired on as the manager and buyer for a boutique, where she remained for seven years. Kippen waited for the right moment to step away to start her own business, and in 2009, that moment came.

In addition to jewelry design, Kippen enjoys tending her city garden and playing the piano when she gets the chance.

Please contact katy.kippen [at] gmail.com for more information about studio services for stylists, wholesale availability, or media inquiries.



D E S I G N E R   s t a t e m e n t:
"The heart of my work lies in transforming ancient, vintage, and new materials into jewelry that is easily wearable, yet different than pieces commonly seen in stores.
  
I love incorporating texture in my designs, especially oxidized silver and brass studded with gemstones and crystals.  Every piece is hand-crafted, and really no two styles are the same.

Sometimes the material itself inspires me. Curb chain, traditionally used in masculine designs, begs to be reworked into something a bit more feminine. I adore crystals, and I play their traditional glamour down a notch with soft layers of metal. Think "Baccarat chandelier wrapped in chainmail", that's where my head is at.

Some of my jewelry feels bold and glamorous, like the layered Caviar Necklace.  Those pieces are perfect for special occasions; those times you want to make a statement.  Other pieces feel softer, a bit quieter, and are great for every day.  I wear my Shadow Wrap all the time.

Certainly my travels abroad and creative background influence my color palette and composition.  But the stones?  That's all my grandfather.  He was a rugged, tough guy, whose work serves as the ultimate inspiration."