About

The maker

Greetings — I am Chris Chookiatsirichai, a multidisciplined artist, and the sole maker and shaker behind the jewelry collection known as Chrissy Chook Concoctions.

My fascination with beads and art was from an early age and most likely began from collecting rocks and shells from the water's edge. Eventually branching from a hobby into a full-blown obsession, my interest bloomed while working at one of the local bead stores, Bobby Bead Inc., and while studying jewelry fabrication, ceramics and film history in college.

It was through making connections while setting up trunk shows at the bead store that I was able to forge relationships that carry into present day — and opportunities that allowed me to work as a representative for multiple wholesale bead companies with roots in India, Afghanistan, and Gambia. I am so grateful to those friends and mentors who connected with me and helped me along this journey — sincere thanks.

My exploration of the world-wide phenomenon of beads and jewelry adornment has continually evolved while making jewelry and working for local gallery and jewelry destination Gallery 360, and other international gem and bead shows.

My intention as a maker

My work stems from a desire to make something new from pieces already in existence — pieces that are strong, original, and interest others in the many cultures and history of how these objects came to be made.

I am a small-batch maker and strive to make work that reflects an interest in structural integrity as well as something that makes you feel fabulous when you wear it. I hope you'll check back as I am adding new work through the season.

Where I work

I create work in my home studio in South Minneapolis. Most of my work is comprised of beads I have long collected — beads found on travels, dug out of rummage baskets, trade shows, estate sales, or found in various shops.

I integrate leather and natural fibers like hemp, linen, cotton, and silk, alongside vinyl and nylon. Oxidized silver plays an integral part in my work; its shading provides a depth that pairs well with many of the earthy pieces I tend to work with. There is something so beautiful to me when silver is oxidized and then re-sanded to reveal the gleaming shimmery details beneath — almost like sculpting, or wiping a plate in printmaking to create shade and tone.