About Karen Konzuk: Crafting Statement Jewelry and Concrete Creations
Karen Konzuk aspires to create jewelry that is regarded as wearable architecture, and objects designed beautifully to last.
A graduate of the Nova Scotia College of Art and Design, Karen earned a BFA with a major in Jewelry Design and a minor in Art History and then introduced the KONZUK line shortly after graduation.
Although Karen’s formal education focused heavily on working with traditional precious metals, the designer has always shied away from mainstream expectations. Karen began to experiment with stainless steel shortly after completing her studies. While the unorthodox material inspired her, its use required that she retrain herself since standard jewelry making rarely calls for stainless steel. The properties of this metal call for an understanding of unusual tools and manufacturing methods.
Through trial and error, Karen persevered to create a line that was unlike anything her peers and mentors were creating. Her diligence resulted in a collection of pieces that reflected the designer’s keen interest in industrial design and architecture. Through a studied use of clean lines and an unwavering commitment to a minimalist aesthetic, Karen has evolved KONZUK into an internationally renowned modern line of jewelry for the contemporary man and woman.
Karen draws inspiration from some unlikely places. A trip to the Contemporary Art Museum in Montreal led to the Concrete Collection, with inspiration also coming from St. Mary’s Cathedral in San Francisco. While a visit to Marfa, Texas to view Donald Judd’s works inspired a number of collections to-date.
KONZUK jewelry appeals to design-centric audiences around the world.
Karen Konzuk is a 2020 recipient of the Carter Wosk Award in Applied Art and Design (watch video here). KONZUK has also appeared in the Swiss published, IDS Vancouver produced, “Currents: Contemporary Pacific Northwest Design”, And is featured in the prestigious volume Masters of Jewelry Design, 2013.
Esteemed international collaborations include Sir Paul Smith’s flagship stores in New York and Los Angeles, as well as a 2016 to 2018 exhibitor at ICFF NYC with Design Milk. Select shows include LOOT, the Museum of Arts and Design, New York, 2016, and RED + WHITE, Canada House, London, 2004.
As well, KONZUK has received various accolades including an award for production at the Craft Council of BC, 2018, “Earring Show”, the Jewelry Design Award from the A' Design Award Event, Como, Italy, 2014 and top honors in Fashion and Jewelry, Western Living’s Designer of the Year.