Meet Rosa Murillo | Artist & Jeweler

We had the good fortune of connecting with Rosa Murillo and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Rosa, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
The hardest step was to start. Even though that I’ve been doing this for several years, it took a leap of faith when my husband was “right sized” at his corporate job and we both decided to jump into the opportunity of making jewelry full time – I would dedicate 100% of my time to create, while my husband would manage all the aspects of the business and our family logistics – I’ve discovered that my husband can cook very well! In retrospect, I wish we had done this a long time ago, it’s been difficult at times and we don’t have everything figured out, but we have allowed ourselves to make mistakes on the go – many of them! – however, it is incredibly rewarding to wake up in the morning and be excited about your work, the creativity we will pour in every piece we create is energizing, working in what I truly love keeps me moving forward. I travel to several Fine Arts and Crafts Shows every year and I am so empowered every time I meet someone that has bought my pieces and shares how much they love them and how many compliments they get when they wear them. I love that our jewelry I make can make people happy. I am so blessed!

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I am an artist with a background in architecture, metalsmithing, painting, and sculpture. I grew up in Mexico, surrounded by the natural beauty of mountains and forests, which has been a major source of inspiration for my work. My artistic journey began with painting on wood canvases using acrylic paints and natural found objects. I was drawn to the physical properties of acrylics and the integration of three-dimensional objects into my paintings. My exploration of different techniques led me to discover the versatility of organic resin, a liquid material that can be pigmented in any color and cast into any shape.
As I experimented with organic resin, my work evolved from two-dimensional paintings to three-dimensional wearable art. Each piece is designed with the grain of the wood in mind, incorporating smooth metals, rich natural pigments, and a free-style structural approach inspired by my architectural background.
My work is characterized by vibrant colors and unexpected material combinations, such as resin cast over burled wood. I draw upon a variety of techniques from metalsmithing, woodworking, and color illustration, constantly learning and experimenting with new processes. This fluid creative process results in unique and diverse pieces, ranging from translucent emerald green earrings to ones resembling green marble stones. Similarly, the form and shape of the wood dictate the final design of wood and resin pieces, ensuring that each one is one-of-a-kind.
I am committed to sustainability and minimizing the environmental impact of my work. I use eco-friendly resins, different types of recycled plastics, reclaimed wood, leaves, crushed stones, vintage metals, and natural pigments. I also reuse as much cut-out material as possible.
The ephemeral nature of certain materials and how they can be preserved fascinates me. Treating and sealing reclaimed wood, for instance, not only extends its lifespan but also enhances its workability, allowing it to be sanded and shaped without compromising its integrity. The added oil accentuates the wood’s beauty and depth.
Recycled plastics and eco-resin are other materials that intrigue me. Their incredible lightness and color saturation allow for stunning transformations. With proper sanding and polishing, ordinary materials can be transformed into something entirely new and beautiful.
With a creative eye, everyday objects can be perceived in a whole new light.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
I would take them for a morning coffee in the South End area of Charlotte followed by a stroll in Freedom park around the Lake. I would head uptown to visit one of the many museums – Mint Museum or Bechtler Museum I would take them to NoDa for an early dinner in one of the many eateries there like Cabo Fish Taco
Next day I would start the day at Amelie’s for a delicious croissant and flat white and head to the Little Sugar Creek Greenway for a nature walk. I would also visit Imagineon (for kids) or catch a theater play at the Belk Theater or Ovens Auditorium.
Next day I’d take a day trip to Asheville and explore the Biltmore, a midday hike in the Blue ridge mountains and finish the day with hot cocoa from French Broad Chocolate Lounge.
The last day I would go for coffee at Summit in Davidson, NC, explore the old town stores and walk on the Davidson college campus and then take a pontoon ride in Lake Norman.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
My mother – for giving me the creative spirit to be fearless!

Website: murojewelry.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/murojewelry/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rosa-murillo-1883b3a1/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/murojewelry

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/murojewelry/

Other: Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/murojewelry/

Image Credits
Rosa Murillo