House of Kozai

The"Cufflinks and Skulls" Collection

2006-07-20T00:31:00.000-04:00

O.K., so the skull has been done to death, but in my defense, I did produce these two and a half years ago, and I also acknowledge seeing them before I started. Plus people are still making and wearing them, the new Genre magazine has skull charms close to these. The large one sold really well at my friends store, but the small one is my favorite, and the bracelet was made using the that one. Now for a different look, the cufflinks are from a collection of around 28 different styles I did for a store in Rome, who stole my designs, and didn't pay me. Cash upfront next time! It worked out well in the end, because I sold some to this great store in Montreal called Kamkyl. Hope you like them.

The "Pendant" Collection

2006-07-18T22:30:00.000-04:00

These really don't have anything else in common other than being pendants, but I think they look good together. The sizes vary, as do their weights. They are all cast, some from carved wax, one from a found object, and the othe two are a relief from a turkey leg. It sounds gross, but in silver it read like snake skin. Prices vary.

The "Stella" Collection

2006-07-17T00:01:00.000-04:00

This random group I named after a family friend who used to hire my sister and I to help her clear land and cut wood on the weekends. She had more tools than anyone I had ever met, and although we always called them, "Uncle Paul's", everybody knew damn well they were hers. She was a tough Ukranian woman, who grew up in a time when women didn't own tools, and although she passed away before I started this collection, I sort of made these for her.

The "Housewife Of The Year" Collection

2006-07-16T23:41:00.000-04:00

I made this grouping with my friend Corey in mind. He is one of my best friends, and one of the worst cooks in the world. He has a recipe for Marinara sauce, it's basically equal parts balsamic vinegar, and hot sauce, dinners at his place are a culinary adventure. He does however keep a spotless home, and also irons his jeans.

The "Southbeach" Collection

2006-07-15T13:36:00.000-04:00

This collection was inspired by the glamour of old black and white movies. I pictured a beach, shells and old wrecked cars, lining the alleys somewhere like Cuba, or Little Havana in Miami. While this was in production, a friend asked if I could cast the Palm tree just for him. His boyfriend and I laughed it off, thinking it was cheap looking, and too literal. All I can say is that Kevin was right, it's one of the strongest pieces in the group.

The "Bombs Away" Collection

2006-07-14T11:25:00.000-04:00

This collection was inspired by my good friend Kate who is married, but refuses to become the property that someone else owns. (She kept her name). Anyways, while looking for a fun charm, she asked if I could make something she could wear that didn't suck, something strong, and this is what I came up with. All of the things I design and make are meant to be unisex, although I guess it depends on the wearer. Definitely no "best friends forever", or "rainbows" for someone like Kate.